Die studentisch organisierte »Reihe Eins« startet 2024 in die 6. Runde
Since its foundation five years ago, the Reihe Eins has established itself at fatuk and beyond as an ambitious architecture lecture series. It is curated and organised exclusively by students, brings in valuable specialist input from outside and, last but not least, strengthens campus life. In an interview with Philipp Buchmann, we take a look behind the scenes.
Philipp, how long have you been involved with Reihe Eins?
In the winter semester of 2021, Andja Stober, who had just taken over the organisation from Tobias Kohlstruck, asked me if I would like to help out.
How big is your team?
The number always fluctuates because people either go on internships or leave the university after completing their diploma or Master’s thesis. So the whole thing only works if there are always new people who want to join in. There are usually 8 to 12 people who are actively involved, and this year there are even a few more.
What tasks are involved and how have you divided them up among yourselves? Or does everyone do everything?
There are currently two people who try to keep an eye on the big picture. The others divide the work among themselves according to time and interest. Kea Riedel maintains contact with the Chamber of Architects so that the series can be categorised as further training and chamber points can be collected through participation. Jill Kaiser used to design the posters, but is now on an internship, so Julia Möckel has stepped in. Lea Trinkaus is in charge of Instagram and social media. Together with Jannis Rickertsen, I have mainly looked after the event technology and the scaffolding for the stage in recent years. Luna Elgün takes care of event registration and liaises with RPTU event security.
You have taken on a new role in the current season.
In 2022, unfortunately, quite a few experienced people left at once. I then gradually took over the organisation under Andja’s guidance. However, we don’t have a strict hierarchical organisation; instead, we discuss who wants to do what, then assign it to the right people and then it usually runs itself.
How do you search for and find the speakers? What sources do you tap into, how does that work?
For a few years now, we’ve been sending a form to all students in the department so that they can name five offices they’d like to see us speak at. You can also send us suggestions via Instagram, and then we have a few ideas of our own about who you could ask. As a team, we decide democratically who we invite. Our aim is to have a good mix of experienced and young offices, as balanced and diverse as possible. This results in a shortlist of 30 to 40 offices, which is then filtered and prioritised. At the end, there is a top 10 list so that we still have our five guest speakers in case of cancellations.
What is the ratio of enquiries to cancellations?
Pretty good, we’re very spoilt in that respect, apparently people like coming to us. And even without a fee!
Is there a budget for Reihe Eins?
Our guests are reimbursed for travelling, accommodation, food and drink. The total costs per lecture series average around 7,000 euros, including the hire of the stage scaffolding and the sound and image technology.
Are there any sponsors?
Yes, but last year was the first time we weren’t able to finance everything through sponsorship because a long-standing sponsor cancelled; however, the department was able to help out, so it wasn’t so tragic. But we always try to recoup the money we spend elsewhere. Vectorworks co-operates well with us, as do the BDA and Bayer & Strobel Architekten; the Kirch company in Kaiserslautern also always contributes something. I would say that we can rely on these four. Apart from that, we look for new supporters every year. Graphisoft is contributing a smaller amount for the first time this year, but that also helps us.
And all the fundraising takes place alongside your studies?
Yes, the preparation period usually starts in November and runs until the end of April, then the lectures take place as an open-air event in June and July.
Still on the meadow by the „Teehaus“?
When it was still in use, the teahouse had the advantage that it had a power connection and you could store a few things there that couldn’t stand the rain. But Katrin Stallmann, who is doing her diploma this semester, has decided to redesign the meadow as an event venue. We are already very excited to see her designs for the redesign and reconstruction of the teahouse and the stage. Peer Dickhaut and Julian Rauenschwender from our team will support Katrin as soon as it comes to realisation.
Is there a chance of realisation?
We are definitely interested in improving the situation! The department has some experience with design-build projects on campus, so there are already contacts with interesting construction companies – but let’s wait and see what Katrin Stallmann presents in April…
The interview was conducted by Nils Ballhausen.
Current programme
12.06. Staab Architekten (Berlin)
19.06. Loeliger Strub Architecture (Zurich)
26.06. Waechter Waechter Architects (Darmstadt)
03.07. Haltmeier Kister Architecture (Zurich)
10.07. Schneider Türtscher Architects (Zurich)
Website of the Reihe Eins⬈
Reihe Eins on instagram⬈
Current Reihe Eins team:
David Öhme, Kea Riedel, Lea Trinkaus, Luna Elgün, Max Herzog, Jill Kaiser, Nico Hinrichsen, Peer Dickhaut, Carlo Lausberg, Julia Möckel, Julian Rauenschwender, Haakon Hoeren, Hannah Stelzer, Julius Puzicha, Philip Koch, Philipp Buchmann