"Residential tower blocks made of prefabricated concrete slabs were built in many parts of the world during the second half of the 20th century, but this type of building was particularly popular in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), where it became known as the "Plattenbau.""
"The exhibition explores the cultural legacy of the prefabricated buildings, "as a living space, as a symbol of social utopias, and as a projection of societal changes," states the exhibition's presentation. "The Plattenbau is not only viewed as architectural heritage, but also as a cultural space of resonance that raises questions about belonging, community, and memory.""
"Exhibition curator Kito Nedo, who was born in Leipzig in the 1970s during "the peak time they were built," as he says only realized later how these housing complexes served as "a socialization environment" in his own life, he tells DW. Since so many people were housed in similar quarters, a large part of the German population share a "collective memory" that is reflected in some of the show's artworks, he adds."
Residential tower blocks of prefabricated concrete slabs became widespread globally in the mid-to-late 20th century and were especially prevalent in the former GDR, where they are known as Plattenbau. The Plattenbau functions as living space, a symbol of social utopias, and a projection of societal changes. The buildings are regarded both as architectural heritage and as cultural spaces that raise questions about belonging, community, and memory. Many people share a collective memory of these housing environments, which also became stages for a painful transformation during German reunification.
Read at www.dw.com
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