Copyright:
Modernist architecture — including the World Heritage Site Berlin Modernism Housing Estates — has gained recognition; yet, research has focused more on architectural history and urban planning than on materiality. Although its conservation efforts are advancing, materials, aesthetic qualities, and the history of material change remain inadequately studied. Growing awareness of historical surfaces and new methods in material science are opening up interdisciplinary research paths.
The international conference “Materiality and Color in Modernist Architecture: From Science to Everyday Heritage Conservation Practice”, taking place May 7–9, 2026 at the Architektenkammer Berlin, brings together experts from all fields of heritage conservation — architects, conservator-restorers, heritage scientists, and art historians. The conference explores how historical knowledge, material research, and methodological approaches, can strengthen contemporary conservation practice of modernist architecture.
Join the dialogue between science and practice and help shape the future of heritage conservation.
The conference is being held in cooperation with the German National Committee of ICOMOS, the Berlin Heritage Authority, the Technical University of Munich, the Dresden University of Fine Arts, the Berlin Chamber of Architects and supported by the Wüstenrot Stiftung. Guided tours are supported by the ‘Akademie der Künste‘ and the ‘Freunde und Förderer der Hufeisensiedlung Berlin-Britz e.V.‘. At the same time, it marks the conclusion of a three-year DFG research project on the Berlin Modernist Housing Estates:
www.arc.ed.tum.de/rkk/forschung/siedlungen-derberliner-moderne
We look forward to welcoming you to our conference in Berlin.
Click here for more Informationen about the registration and the program
LANGUAGE
The conference language is primarily English. On Thursday, AIassisted translation with German subtitles will be available, and on Friday, simultaneous German–English interpretation will be provided to ensure broad accessibility.
Details
- Beginn:
- 07.05.2026
- Ende:
- 09.05.2026
VERANSTALTUNGSORT
Architektenkammer Berlin
Alwin-Brandes-Saal, 5th floor, Alte Jakobstraße 149, 10969 Berlin
