Interview with Christoph Mäckler

Christoph Mäckler thrives in the urban realm. As the influential figure behind the design advisory board, he played a pivotal role in reviving Frankfurt's historic old town. Meanwhile, at TU Dortmund University, his annual "Architecture Days" series has spurred critical discourse on urban spaces. As Mäckler prepares for his emeritus status this winter semester, we strolled through the quarter nestled between the cathedral and the Römer, discussing building design nuances, his bond with Frankfurt, and the necessity for politics to become more engaged in the architectural process.

In just a month, we'll gather once more for the Dortmund Architecture Days. As you oversee your eighteenth and final edition, what can we expect?

About two decades ago, when I breathed new life into the Architecture Days, the focus was materials, supported notably by FSB. This year, we've themed it "Workpiece". We aim to delve into the nuanced ways architects interact with materials – their dimensions, intersections, as illustrated in our recent tour of the revitalized Old Town.

We’ve invited architects to showcase unique pieces at the Dortmund Architecture Exhibition. It could be anything – a distinctive window or a detailed staircase. We've also scheduled lectures featuring eminent personalities from the architectural world.

Can you shed light on the overarching ethos behind the Architecture Days?

The very first Dortmund Architecture Days were inaugurated on June 12, 1975, by Joseph Paul Kleihues. He had earlier helmed the International Building Exhibition during the '80s in Berlin. With this, he instituted one of the most profound urban planning dialogue platforms. This event was rejuvenated in 2005 by the German Institute for Urban Design.

Under the banner "Urban Architecture", elements like roofing, entrances, ornaments, windows, and façades are dissected through varied lenses by esteemed architects, historians, and artists. Our panelists hail from diverse professions, from filmmakers to chefs.

What’s the future direction for this event?

After my departure this winter semester, the baton will be passed to Wolfgang Sonne, the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, albeit briefly.

I'm optimistic that my successors at the urban planning chair, Anna Jessen and Ingemar Vollenweider, will carry the legacy forward. Each iteration of the event has had its distinct emphasis – while Kleihues’ version was contemporary for its time, our recent editions have been city-centric. I just hope the successive editions keep the event’s intellectual core intact. The aim isn’t to parade star architects flaunting their visuals, but to let thinkers of architecture take the stage.

Would you say the Architecture Days are somewhat a validation for the field?

Indeed. The underlying questions are – Where are we now? Where are we headed? For instance, ponder over a house entrance. It’s an extension of both the home and the urban space. Comparing today’s design with what was prevalent earlier reveals societal shifts. Our objective is to underscore the socio-political implications of such urban components. The event is not about nostalgia but inviting professionals who bring different architectural perspectives to the table.

During our walk in the new old town, you emphasized certain design elements. How significant are these details in your architectural approach?

Every structure I envisage prioritizes these intricacies. A genuine appreciation for material and details is fundamental to remarkable architecture. Uniform façades or repetitious details don't resonate with my idea of architecture. The joy of the profession lies in embracing diverse cultural contexts and crafting details accordingly. In Frankfurt, I might use red Main sandstone, while in Munich, my preference is the Nagelfluh stone.

Considering your work in Frankfurt, would you call yourself a native?

Absolutely! Frankfurt is where I was born, although my family roots trace back to Koblenz. Construction runs in our blood – my father, great-grandfather, and beyond were city building councillors. Delving into history, the earliest documented Mäckler was a stonemason contributing to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. I'm upholding a rich legacy.

Having contributed significantly to Frankfurt’s landscape, do you feel a deep connection with the city?

Undoubtedly, Frankfurt is home. However, professionally, I've had dual bases – Frankfurt and Dortmund. TU Dortmund has been instrumental in my journey, providing immense support and opportunities. My bond with Frankfurt was rejuvenated post my studies at RWTH Aachen. Returning here, I began seeing my childhood city through a fresh lens. My initial projects were designs for Frankfurt, later showcased in the German Architecture Museum in 1987 and concurrently published. It encapsulated my urban planning philosophies, suggesting enhancements to the city's architecture, inclusive of high-rises

At that time I developed a series of drafts for the city of Frankfurt and published them parallel to the exhibition in the book of the same name; basically all my urban planning convictions can already be found here. I made suggestions as to how the city could be supplemented in many places and led to an urban unity. Among them were also many high-rise buildings.

Now that the new old town of Frankfurt stands complete, how do you envision the city's future architectural trajectory?

The rejuvenated segment of Frankfurt's old town signifies a growing discontent with modernist architecture. Every new construction sparks debates.

Over the past half-century, architects, in my opinion, have somewhat missed the mark, especially concerning public spaces. Most tend to view their creations as standalone entities. We must recalibrate and understand that our structures should harmonize with their surroundings and foster public spaces. Learning from Frankfurt’s old town can guide us. Additionally, politics must step up its game concerning public spaces. The dedication shown for the iconic Dom-Römer area should be standard for all new urban designs. This approach might address pressing issues like affordable housing. It's high time we embraced a city that's both socially and functionally integrated.