Located at central locations in many inner cities, they were the epitome of our consumer culture
of the last centuries, but now often stand empty: department stores. But the method of procuring
all kinds of things has changed drastically – not least due to the Internet – with the result that
even larger branches are facing closure because of a lack of demand. At the same time, space at
attractive locations is scarce, expensive, and much in demand – so how can these giant redundant
shopping facilities be put to good use in a sensible and resource-efficient way?

During the autumn workshop “High Street Alive: Placing vibrant spaces inside former city centre magnets” from 6 to 29 September 2023, the scholarship students of the aac focused on the development and design of shared-use scenarios for these buildings.

This workshop was led by Dipl.-Ing Architect Nikolaus Goetze, Dipl.-Ing. Architect Stephan Schütz, and Dipl.-Ing. Architect Nicolas Pomränke.

The results of the workshop are available to view in an exhibition at the aac studios on the Rainvilleterrasse Campus until 27 October 2023.

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