MUNICH, GERMANY.- When Adolf Hitler inaugurated the "Haus der Deutschen Kunst" (The House of German Art) in 1937, the event was met with a large response by the international press. Where are the innovative, representational buildings, which evoke such a strong interest, being built today? Apparently, also – if not even preferably – in non-democratic societies such as China. OMA, the architectural office of Rem Koolhaas, is building the new China Central Television CCTV headquarters in Peking, where also Herzog & de Meuron are realizing their design for the Chinese national stadium for the 2008 Olympic Games. A Berlin architectural office is erecting a new government quarter in Libya and in the United Arab Emirates artificial worlds are built for tourists. The absence of democracy does not appear to be an obstacle for pioneering building projects.

In 1937, interestingly enough, entirely different solutions from "international classicism" were possible in a nationalistic society. An architect such as Oscar Niemeyer (b. 1907) was able to create his own personal vision in Brazil. He knew how – unlike Paul Ludwig Troost with the Haus der Kunst – to unite functionality with the impression of extreme lightness and airiness, bestowing a communistic character upon several buildings. His first structure was, in fact, built in 1937.

Haus der Kunst's structural condition is yet another reason to ask what the building should look like in 2037, when it will be 100 years old. Possible answers to this range from total renovation, through to different usage, all the way to the scenario of a ruin. What is an appropriate way of dealing with an older structure that carries traces of ideologies today?

Haus der Kunst November 8, 2007 - "Built Ideologies" Program

16 h . Introduction by Professor Winfried Nerdinger, Director of the Architecture Museum, Munich. "Built Ideologies in Munich".

16.30 h. Lecture - Professor Jong Myong Ho, Chief architect at the Academy of Architecture in Pyongyang, North Korea - "Kim Jong-il's Teachings on Design".

18 h. Lecture - Lauro Cavalcanti. Architectural historian and author of "When Brazil was Modern" - "Government Buildings by Oscar Niemeyer".

20 h. Panel discussion - with Rem Koolhaas, Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron - Moderation Mark Wigley, Dean of the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at Columbia University, New York.

In English - Location: Galerie der Freunde (Middle Hall, Haus der Kunst). Admission 12 euros, reduced fee 10 euros. Tickets can only be purchased in advance. There will be no evening box office. Registration at events@hausderkunst.de.

The leading international architectural offices of Rem Koolhaas and Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron have both had exhibitions in the Haus der Kunst ("The Image of Europe," 2004 and "Herzog & de Meuron. No. 250. An Exhibition," 2006 respectively) and have carefully studied the structure's history during the past few months.

Kim Jong-il, North Korea's political leader, insists that architecture must express the solidarity that exists between the party, the working class and the people. A building should be monumental and integrate into the urban context in such a way that "the visitor automatically straightens his clothes and assumes an upright posture." Jong Myong Ho will shed light on Kim Jong-il's teachings on design.

Oscar Niemeyer can look back on 70 years of productivity. More than once has he restored his own buildings erected decades before. His designs are characterized by open floor plans, clear visible facades, supports, sun shields and terraces. Lauro Cavalcanti will provide an overview of his government buildings.

Professor Jong Myong Ho's lecture was organized together with a42.org (Institute for Architecture and City Planning at the Academy of Fine Arts in Nuremberg). From November 9 to 11 a42.org is conducting a workshop directed by Professor Jong Myong Ho. Location: Terrace Hall in the Haus der Kunst.