Title: Convertible City. Modes of Densification and Dissolving Boundaries; Project Manager: Lukas Feireiss; Venue: German Pavilion, 10th International Architecture Biennial Venice 2006; General Commisioners: Armand Grüntuch and Almut Ernst; Client: Armand Grüntuch and Almut Ernst / Architekten;

The German contribution to the 10th International Architecture Biennial Venice 2006 examines stimulating conversions in existing urban space situations, that enrich the dynamics and creativity of city life. Exemplary projects illustrate the exiting tensions that densification and transformation exert on architecture and the urban fabric, as well as the sustainable use of the available potential of a “vertically open” periphery for new working and living environments.

With an emphasis on transformation and conversion in the urban context, the exhibition reveals a shift in perception within the sphere of architecture. Focusing on the hitherto rather unattractive tasks of re-building and re-use contributes to their revaluation in terms of design and content not only amongst experts but also in the public consciousness.