Darmstädter Architekturdialoge

VI | Die Ordnung des Raumes & Ordnung des Sozialen #2

Spatial order and social order are inseparable. The way we shape and build space reflects and reinforces a society's understanding of itself and the world – including its political structures.

Architecture occupies a unique tension: it is not only an expression of creative power, but also reproduces social and hierarchical structures. Against this backdrop, how can architecture make democracy tangible as lived dialogue? What responsibility do architects bear for the democratic quality of built space?

In this guest lecture, Marcel Krüger invites participants to explore these questions through a philosophical lens – and to reflect on how architecture can actively support democratic culture.

Marcel Krüger is a sociologist and philosopher. As a research associate at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), he develops innovative teaching formats for ethics and civic education within STEM programmes, with a focus on making reflection and ethics a lived practice rather than abstract theory. He is also the host of "Das philosophische Gespräch" (The Philosophical Conversation), a public format in which he discusses controversial topics with prominent guests.

Travelling by bike
Rundeturmstraße is centrally located in Darmstadt and is easily accessible by bike. There are several bike racks in the immediate vicinity. The Darmstadt–Frankfurt cycle highway leads into the city centre and offers a fast route for cyclists.

Public transport
By tram: The Schloss (lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 9) and Luisenplatz (all lines) stops are within a short walking distance.

By bus: Several bus routes stop at Luisenplatz; from there, it is about a 5-minute walk to Rundeturmstraße.

By train: From Darmstadt Central Station, you can reach the city centre by tram (lines 2, 3, 5, 9) or bus in just a few minutes.

Travelling by car
As Rundeturmstraße is located in the city centre, there are no direct parking facilities at the building.

Recommended car parks nearby:

– Schlossgaragen car park (Karolinenplatz 3, approx. 3 mins’ walk)

– Justus-Liebig-Haus car park (Große Bachgasse 2, approx. 5 mins’ walk)

– Ludwigspassage car park (Wilhelminenstraße 10, approx. 7 mins’ walk)

Accessibility
The toilet facilities in the basement are not accessible.

The Darmstädter Architekturdialoge are a curated event series for architects and planners who understand architecture as a cultural and societal practice. The series is initiated, curated and moderated by Olya Dikow, a strategic consultant and brand designer with a background in architecture. She works at the intersection of architecture, identity and dialogue.