Discover Germany | Architecture Special
Kristina Hoffmann and Pia Becker. Photo: Matthias Eimer, Weimar
Villa J. Photo: Pia Becker
LIFE AND ARCHITECTURE IN MOTION Female-led architecture firm architektur.KONTOR in Weimar successfully adapts its way of thinking and working to the changes of our modern world. Founders Kristina Hoffmann and Pia Becker follow Bauhaus-principles and ask fundamental questions about housing in the 21st century – including ecological responsibilities and unconventional user structures.
“We pay great attention to us as a team,” Kristina Hoffmann explains. “Work-life balance, communication, caring and our employees’ progress are fundamental to our corporate culture.” Pia Becker adds: “We are convinced that as women we bring a high level of communication and integrated thinking to the planning process. Yet we believe that there is no generic female architecture – rather our diverse team allows for an abundance of complexity
16 | October 2021 | Issue 86
during the planning process due to the different perspectives.” This diversity is also found in their various projects. Architektur.KONTOR puts the individuality of the user centre-stage and moves away from the box-standard ‘mother, father and two children’-model. “Nowadays a flat has to be home and workspace, leisure and school environment, a place to pause as well as a communal space for family and friends,” Hoffmann says. “As architects we have to create respectful
Villa Radebeul. Photo: Pia Becker
living spaces that meet all those requirements and at the same time, we need to use resources responsibly.” Hence, the two architects prefer moderate restoration and keeping building structures, to demolition. They wish for a change in thinking when it comes to construction law, to support urban densification. Change is equally needed in the construction industry. According to Hoffmann, to view a building’s entire life cycle means to incorporate its demolition and recycling right from the start during development. “We also need improved transparency regarding the supply chain of sustainable products – both in manufacturing and recycling.” It takes courage to push for a sustainable construction future and Architektur. KONTOR proves to be a trustworthy and experienced partner.
TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE
Architektur.KONTOR stands out in two ways. The powerful spaces they create in the residential, tourism and hospitality sectors are immediately captivating. But it is also the corporate philosophy at architektur.KONTOR, which differentiates them. Offering flexible working hours and working from home is almost a given for the founders, who are both mothers to three and four children respectively.