Entfestigung

The tower of the Wasserburg Staden carries many (layers of) strata and processes of transformation within it. With the project “Entfestigung”, a discourse on design and democracy is opened here in the midst of the history-rich Wetterau region—directly at the open roof of the local landmark.

The 870th anniversary of the tower, built in 1156, offers a special occasion to bring people together to collectively shape and use the tower as a communal place. The aim of the project is to preserve the dilapidated tower and activate it as a public, democratically usable cultural and meeting space.

The project is implemented in three phases:

• The year 2025 already marked an activation moment, preparing the tower for the upcoming construction and discourse events.
• In summer 2026, the central construction and discourse phase will enable neighbours and interested visitors to get to know the tower and the theme of “Entfestigung” through exhibition contributions and exchange sessions. On the Day of Entfestigung on 6 June 2026, we will explore artistic interventions and, in a collective and open setting, ask what Design for Democracy can look like at a monument and in rural space.
• In autumn 2026, on Heritage Day, 13 September 2026, the “Entfestival” will take place—our reflection and closing event. Alongside exciting discursive contributions on heritage conservation and monument protection, more than 1,000 meter sticks and folding rules will serve as colourful and versatile building materials for the joint development of ideas for a new tower roof. Further artistic contributions are also planned. By presenting and reflecting on the artistic positions of the summer and the resulting discourses on heritage conservation and spatial design, we will also gain a perspective on what the future may hold.

Entfestigung is an open cultural network initiated by artist-curator duo Adam Langer and Max Weisthoff. Together with designer Ulrike Silz, they are collaborating on WDC2026 with architect Alex Römer, sculptor Ludwig Hauser and other local and national partners.