IBA’27

In 1901, the first IBA was held in Darmstadt (Mathildenhöhe) and is considered a milestone in the German Jugendstil era. In 1927, Weissenhofsiedlung was built in Stuttgart as a follow-up of the subsequent international building exhibitions as exhibition of the Deutscher Werkbund. Under the artistic direction of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, leading representatives of Neues Bauen created 21 model houses as a housing programme “for the modern city-dweller”. Today, the settlement is considered one of the most important examples of modern architecture.

This major event has been organised by IBA’27 StadtRegion Stuttgart GmbH since 2017. The shareholders are the State Capital Stuttgart, the Verband Region Stuttgart, the Wirtschaftsförderung Region Stuttgart GmbH, the Chamber of Architects Baden-Wuerttemberg, as well as the University of Stuttgart. Andreas Hofer, the artistic director, is responsible for the content of IBA’27. Karin Lang, as commercial manager, is responsible for the business side. The work of IBA’27 GmbH covers giving an impetus, advising, networking, providing support, documenting and developing projects and planning with partner organisations. Even before the presentation year 2027, numerous events – in the form of conferences, public plenums and festivals – will take place.

The Backnang-West quarter shall be created on a former industrial site in the city of Backnang with its 37,000 inhabitants. The site with a size of almost 17 hectares looks back on an eventful history. As early as in the 19^th century, a variety of industrial enterprises settled along the river Murr, whose historical factory buildings are still characteristic for the area. Taking into account the industrial halls of historical interest, the development of the area is a special opportunity for Backnang: over an area approximately the size of the adjacent old town, a new urban quarter could be developed here. A contemporary, diverse mix makes the city centre even more attractive, and the proximity to the water adds to the quality of outdoor life.

A growing world population and dwindling resources raise the question of how more living space can be created using less material. In the “Sonderforschungsbereich (SFB) 1244” [Collaborative Research Centre] 14 institutes of the University of Stuttgart have been researching in close interdisciplinary collaboration on the integration of elements that adapt themselves to environmental conditions – this means: adaptive elements – in load-bearing structures, facades and interior fittings. This is not only the development of new (building) components, but also their integration into the overall system. The goal is to reduce material and energy consumption and, at the same time, make them more convenient to use.

The two districts Bohnenviertel and Leonhardsviertel are together Stuttgart’s oldest urban expansion area with many historical structures. Both quarters have developed differently following World War II. With IBA’27, they shall be united again to become Leonhardsvorstadt with many changes planned. The two car parks will be demolished to open up space for new uses. A new centre, a place where people can get together will emerge. New apartments can be built, a film and media house is intended to be a cultural key point for the city and quarter. In summer and autumn 2020, the map exercise Leonhardsvorstadt’s Future took place where everyone who is interested in and cares about this special part of Stuttgart contributed their ideas and suggestions.