JUERGEN MAYER H.
J. MAYER H. und Partner, Architekten mbB is an international award winning architecture office with projects at the intersection of architecture, communication, and new technology. From urban planning schemes and buildings, to installation work and objects with new materials, the relationship between the human body, technology, and nature form the background for a new production of space. J.MAYER.H was founded in 1996 by Juergen Mayer H. in Berlin. In January 2014, Andre Santer and Hans Schneider joined as partners in the firm.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE EMERGING CULTURAL CITIES IN THE WORLD AND WHY?
Traveling in 2020 and 2021 became a matter of course for critical reconsideration. A new exciting evolution of digital formats allows us to learn about local cultural dynamics via virtual communication tools. Mediated visits and in-person-diving-into-a-city´s-life-and-culture will both enhance each others content and experience. On my travel list is a cultural hotspot in the making. What is more exciting than following a process that builds up a transformation within a European network? Chemnitz and the surrounding Erzgebirge area is one of the two cultural capitals of Europe 2025 and we are excited to be participating in collaborative formats to fuse the rich local history with innovative futures. ( https://chemnitz2025.de/en/ ).
Tell us about a cultural project with great potential for social impact.
"Allesandersplatz" is a cooperative initiative and its name is a twist of Berlin´s Alexanderplatz. It reads as "everythingdifferentplace". This initiative proposes alternative strategies for the former "Haus der Statistik" as a cultural public space and public institutions. "Becoming" is an important activator of cultural exchange.
For more info: http://www.allesandersplatz.berlin and https://www.brandeins.de/magazine/brand-eins-wirtschaftsmagazin/2019/widerstaende-ueberwinden/berlin-allesandersplatz
What has been your most memorable recent cultural experience?
"Die Balkone 2" happened during Gallery Weekend around May 1st, 2021. A large number of artists living in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin showed work from their balconies and windows, using corona restrictions as a jumping board for a new experience of city and art.
For more info: https://www.diebalkone.net
Describe the perfect cultural day of the city you live in.
My last year turned into discoveries of exploring Berlin. Extended biking tours through the city to architectural jewels and other urban curiosities often included destinations of buildings from the 1960s to1980s, and some restaurant terraces on the way, from the reconstructed Kongsnaes, Kaiserliche Matrosenstation Potsdam to the cantina next to the The ADGB Trade Union School (UNESCO) by Hannes Meyer.