O.M. Ungers – Architecture as Idea
22 May–27 September 2026
To mark the 100th birthday of Cologne architect Oswald Mathias Ungers (June 12,1926–September 30, 2007), the Museum of Applied Arts Cologne (MAKK) is dedicating the exhibition ‘Architecture as Idea’ to the internationally influential architect, theorist and professor. The exhibition highlights Ungers' understanding of architecture as an intellectual discipline. As an expression of an order in which space, proportion and art merge into a unity. Especially today, at a time when architecture increasingly mediates between technical function, ecological responsibility and aesthetic demands, Ungers' understanding is gaining new relevance. It reminds us that every building begins with an idea and a thought and must be understood in an interdisciplinary way. ‘Architecture as Idea’ invites visitors to view Oswald Mathias Ungers' work in a dialogue between architecture, design, art and the environment.
For a more in-depth exploration of the subject, we invite you to download the lecture (in German) given by architect and architectural theorist Prof. Dr Martin Kieren, Berlin, which he delivered at the exhibition opening on 21 May at the MAKK.