DRESDEN.- The second exhibition in the newly designed Blockhaus, the Archiv der Avantgarden – Egidio Marzona (ADA), which opens on 16 November 2024, is a comprehensive presentation of visionary architectural concepts, building utopias and dystopias of the 20th century. It was a time when architects were called upon to respond to numerous crisis situations and global events. Around 200 exhibits, including drawings, models, objects and publications, tell the story of the belief in progress as well as cautionary scepticism about life in the future. In view of today’s social challenges, these ideas seem more relevant than ever.

In the centre of the exhibition area are ten stations, showing individual architects as well as collectives and loose groups. It begins with the early 20th-century visions of Paul Scheerbart (1863‑1915) and Bruno Taut (1880‑1938), who incorporated nature and the cosmos as facets of their architecture. The concepts by Richard Buckminster Fuller (1895‑1983), such as his mobile domed buildings and the associated reminder to use resources responsibly, lead on to the post-war period stations. In the wake of the progress euphoria of the 1960s and 1970s, with the moon landing and the oil crisis marking historical watersheds, utopian and dystopian visions of life emerged equally in the context of Italian “Architettura Radicale”. The spectrum is broad: Ironic positions, such as those of Ettore Sottsass (1917‑2007) or the artist groups Haus-Rucker-Co and Coop Himmelb(l)au can be found alongside designs by Superstudio and Raimund Abraham (1933‑2010), in which cosmic fantasies are combined with archaic building forms. Leonardo Mosso (1926‑2020) is presented as an artist in whose work the examination of cybernetics leads to a radically reduced formal language. The knowledge of the fragility of ecosystems leads to alternative concepts of architecture. Inquisitiveness about new materials and forms gives way to a fundamental scepticism about conventional methods of building and the effects of modern urban development, resulting in more modest visions and a demand for the appreciation of local cultures and knowledge. What dimensions do the solutions to today’s problems need? Who will shape the future? Can crises be overcome by technological means? Or can only humility and renunciation help?

In addition to the collection presentation, there are two contemporary artistic stations done by the artist duos Hristina Ivanoska & Yane Calovsky and by WIRKUSPRIES that deal with the architectural legacy of two women: Iskra Grabul (1936‑2008) and Helena Syrkus (1900‑1982). A “discursive space” will be created here, and various events will take place here over the course of the exhibition. While Ivanoska and Calovsky will show their installation “Makedonium” for the entire duration of the exhibition, the dancer and choreographer Nitsan Margaliot will accompany the opening weekend with his performance “Longing to Suspend”. From 19 November 2024 to 12 January 2025, there will be the installation “We are Millenium Stars” by WIRKUSPRIES, with a reading taking place both at the beginning and at the end of the installation. The “Discursive Space” will then change again to create space for lectures, discussions and collaborative work. Contributions and workshops explore the positions of female architects of the 20th century, who have so far hardly found a place in the male-dominated treatment of art and culture.

Seen in the spectrum of the entire exhibition, the title “Building Worlds” refers not only to the numerous, mainly unfinished projects of visionary architects of the 20th century, but also to the activity of designing and constructing all areas of social life - architecture, photography, video, dance and writing as equally important, constructive activities.

The ADA is currently participating in the exhibition “The Very First Edition - Artists’ Books from the Marzona Collection” (27 October 2024 - 26 January 2025) as part of a cooperation with the Neue Nationalgalerie and the Kunstbibliothek - Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. In addition, numerous loans are included in the exhibition “But live here? No thanks. Surrealism + Anti-Fascism” (15 October 2024 - 2 March 2025) at the Lenbachhaus Munich.