13/01/2026
The greatest challenge in its history – archaeology facing energy transition
For a long time, archaeology was considered a professional field that was almost exclusively limited to universities, museums, and a few excavation sites. However, that has changed fundamentally: large companies are now looking for experts in archaeological preservation – among other things, with the aim of implementing the energy transition in a manner appropriate to historical monuments. Therefore, at denkmal 2026, the professional association CIfA Germany will present a special exhibition area on this topic for the first time.
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13/01/2026
Post-war modernism? East German modernism? What's the difference?
A comment under a linkedIn post leads to questions and a little research trip. The answer lies in the architectural history of the post-war period, which unfolded in two systems that were similar but nevertheless different. It is a history that can still be seen today in the cities of East and West Germany and is increasingly recognised as worthy of protection.
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06/10/2025
The Legacy of Ingrid Heineck – denkmal’s Foreign Minister is Leaving
One era is coming to an end – another is beginning. After more than 41 years at Leipziger Messe, including 31 years working for denkmal, Ingrid Heineck is taking her well-deserved retirement at the end of the year. She is a colleague who has shaped the trade fair entrusted to her like no other – with passion and expertise. Before she leaves behind a huge void that will be difficult to fill, we asked her a few questions and, of course, whether we can still welcome her to denkmal every two years.
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06/10/2025
Half a castle with an entire future
Between decay, commitment, and hope: In Langenleuba-Niederhain, Philipp Hesse and many of his fellow campaigners are fighting to save and revitalize a special monument. A visit to the Halbes Schloss (Half Castle). The Messeakademie 2024 competition sought concepts for the property. What is the current status today?
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06/10/2025
Tensions of the Present: The Cultural Heritage of Copenhagen Stock Exchange after the Fire
The fire at the Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen destroyed 55 percent of a national landmark. The reconstruction work that is now beginning reflects a familiar debate about the preservation of historical monuments under new, complex circumstances: how can the reconstruction of a historic building be reconciled with calls for a halt to construction on grounds of sustainability? Two voices—that of the owner, the Danish Chamber of Commerce, and that of architect and professor of sustainable building culture Nicolai Bo Andersen—show that cultural heritage and the climate crisis must be balanced in Copenhagen.
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06/10/2025
From climbing group to monument specialist – 35 years of BENNERT
Holger Schmidt, head of carpentry at BENNERT GmbH, talks in an interview about iconic buildings such as the Duchess Anna Amalia Library, the reconstruction of Frankfurt's old town, and the Löwenbrücke bridge in Berlin. He talks about the company's roots in a student “climbing group,” the challenges of the coming decades, and why denkmal is the most important place for BENNERT to engage in dialogue.
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