The University of Stuttgart's Institute for Public Buildings and Design is hosting a major international symposium exploring innovative approaches to renovating and expanding existing structures. The two-day event, titled "Weiterbauen – Building on the Existing," will take place on Thursday, November 13, and Friday, November 14, 2025, as part of the broader Architecture November festival.
The symposium addresses one of the most pressing challenges in contemporary architecture: how to evaluate existing buildings and develop effective strategies for their continued use and transformation. Experts will examine the complex relationship between ecological concerns, economic considerations, cultural memory, and historical preservation when dealing with existing structures.
Participants will explore fundamental questions about recognizing the value, character, and potential of existing buildings through various design approaches. The program features three thematic panels – "Keep," "Complete," and "Transform" – each representing different philosophical approaches to working with existing architecture. Leading professionals from heritage conservation, architectural theory, and practice will share their expertise and engage in detailed discussions about these varied methodologies.
The first day of the symposium will conclude with a keynote presentation by Alexander Schwarz, Professor at the University of Stuttgart and Partner at David Chipperfield Architects Berlin, followed by an interactive debate session. The symposium will showcase reference projects including the Neues Museum Berlin by David Chipperfield Architects, demonstrating practical applications of building renovation strategies.
The event will be held in the foyer of K1 at Keplerstraße 11, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany, with free admission for all attendees. The complete program, including detailed information about all panel guests and speakers, is available through the Architecture November website. This symposium represents a significant opportunity for architects, planners, and heritage professionals to exchange ideas about sustainable approaches to existing building stock and innovative design strategies for architectural continuity.
