The location where the Luisencenter was inaugurated in 1977 has a turbulent history. Until nearly completely destroyed by air raids in World War II in 1944, the “Alte Palais,” the former city residence of the Hessian Landgraves, Grand Dukes, and Princes, with an adjoining palace garden to the south, stood at the same location on Luisenplatz. Commissioned by investor Jakob Wilhelm Mengler and under the direction of architect Theodor Josef Seifert, the Luisencenter was planned and built from 1975 to 1977. Reflecting the zeitgeist of the time, the Luisencenter included a mix of various public and private uses, such as the town hall, a congress area, and diverse shopping opportunities. The Luisencenter, like much of the surrounding development, is supported by underground garages and tunnel structures. The center has always been polarizing – loved by some for the joy of shopping and strolling, viewed critically by others, sparking controversial discourse. Could one possibly satisfy both parties? What could the Luisencenter be in the future? How could it be further utilized? What changes would it need to undergo? What measures are necessary? Is such a building still contemporary in this location? What would justify demolition, or could a few modifications and interventions already be beneficial? What are the needs of the people in the city? What is lacking in this location, and what type of use is urgently needed in such a central location?

Exhibition Venue
Luisencenter
Luisenplatz 5
64283 Darmstadt
In the entrance areas on the ground floor
Exhibition Duration
April 28th to May 10th, 2024