Proposed Guidelines for a New Directive on Commission's Disposition
The city of Stuttgart, Germany, is set to unveil a new visitor and information centre, the Weissenhof Forum, before the start of the International Building Exhibition (IBA) 2027. This architectural marvel, designed by the globally acclaimed firm Barkow Leibinger, will serve as the central starting point for visitors to the Weissenhof Estate, a city landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2016.
Construction of the Weissenhof Forum commenced in July 2025, following the demolition of the old building. The project is being carried out by the bidding consortium Zech Hochbau AG / Barkow Leibinger Gesellschaft von Architekten mbH. The consortium was chosen for its high architectural quality and forward-looking energy concept.
The design of the Weissenhof Forum seamlessly integrates the site's modernist heritage with contemporary ecological, economic, and social challenges. It reflects a commitment to sustainability and innovation in architecture. The new building aims for a climate-neutral plus-energy standard, utilising timber and rammed earth construction, a photovoltaic facade, and a green roof.
The Weissenhof Forum will be completed with exhibition areas, a media room, a shop, gastronomy, event and workspaces, all situated at the entrance to the Weissenhof Settlement. The project's development has been supported by the city of Stuttgart and the Friends of the Weissenhof Settlement.
Suse Kletzin, Chairwoman of the Friends of the Weissenhof Settlement Association, expressed her anticipation for the new chapter in communicating the Weissenhof history. Dr. Gabriele König, CEO of IBA'27 GmbH, and Andreas Hofer, Intendant of IBA'27, also expressed their excitement about the project's reality.
The Weissenhof Forum is more than just a building for the IBA 2027. It is intended to have an impact beyond the exhibition, serving as a laboratory for future-oriented building culture, ecological responsibility, and urban diversity. The Weissenhof Forum is scheduled for completion and opening in 2027, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Weissenhof Estate and the IBA 2027 StadtRegion Stuttgart.
[1] Stadt Stuttgart [2] Barkow Leibinger [3] Zech Hochbau AG [4] IBA 2027
[1] The city of Stuttgart, being the driving force behind the Weissenhof Forum project, aims to use it as a platform for promoting a future-oriented building culture that embodies ecological responsibility and urban diversity.
[2] The globally acclaimed firm Barkow Leibinger, through their innovative design for the Weissenhof Forum, seamlessly integrates the site's modernist heritage with contemporary sustainability and innovation in architecture.
[3] Zech Hochbau AG, a member of the bidding consortium for the Weissenhof Forum, brings their high architectural quality and forward-thinking energy concept to the project, ensuring its success.
[4] As part of the International Building Exhibition (IBA) 2027, the Weissenhof Forum serves as a pivotal point for visitors to the Weissenhof Estate, blending historical context with a progressive lifestyle and home-and-garden aesthetic.
