The Bürgerhaus Oststadt community centre with its multifunctional spatial programme has been the social and cultural centre of Essen's Freisenbruch district for more than forty years.

The building designed by Friedrich Mebes is also a prime example of "organic architecture" in the Ruhr area. The upcoming renovation is an opportunity for the Ruhrmoderne association to get in touch with experts in architecture and monument preservation, but also with the users of the community centre.

What is the architectural and functional quality of the building? Is the original concept still valid today and in the future? What challenges and opportunities does the restructuring offer?

Programme, start 6:00 p.m.

Greeting 
Simone Raskob I Councillor of the City of Essen

Handover of the Big Beautiful Building Award by Tim Rieniets, StadtBauKultur NRW to Simone Raskob

Inauguration 
Dr. Alexandra Apfelbaum I Ruhrmoderne 

Organic Architecture in North Rhine-Westphalia
PD Dr. Sabine Brinitzer I Architectural historian and monument conservator, ICOMOS

The architect Friedrich Mebes
Dr. Gudrun Escher I Urban Heritage Preservation Group

Break

On the history of the Oststadt community centre
Dr. Sven Kuhrau I LVR - Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments in the Rhineland

The restoration of organic architecture
Michael Schwarz I Hospital-Frenking + Schwarz Architects

Panel discussion moderated by Dr. Christine Kämmerer

Dr. Petra Beckers I Institute for the Protection and Preservation of Historical Monuments of the City of Essen

PD Dr. Sabine Brinitzer I Monument Preserver

Peter Köster I Advisory Board of the Bürgerhaus Oststadt

Michael Schwarz I Hospital-Frenking + Schwarz Architects

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Sonne I TU Dortmund GTA