O P E N – A Debate Series on Architecture by AIT-Dialog and Salamander in Hamburg

Between Vision, Feasibility and Responsibility

Hamburg, May 2025: How much power lies in the ideal concept of an architectural design? And how much of it remains when the vision is tested against reality? These were the central questions of the second event in the new dialogue series O P E N – A Debate on Architecture, Urban and Rural Space. On 22 May, O P E N made a stop at the Gleishalle in Hamburg. More than 120 guests from the fields of architecture, planning, public administration and academia took part in a lively discussion with keynote speakers Manuel Herz and Thorsten Kock, along with Till Schmiedeknecht, Co-CEO of Salamander, on the topic: "Wish and Reality – Ideal Vision vs. Planning Reality".

O P E N is a debate series hosted by Salamander in collaboration with AIT-Dialog.

“Good architecture emerges between ideal and reality – reality separates truly innovative ideas from lifeless ideology. Even in the development of our window profiles, we start with a vision. In practice, we bring it into harmony with technical, design, and economic requirements.” Till Schmiedeknecht, Co-CEO Salamander

What remains of the vision once construction begins?

In their keynote presentations, architects Manuel Herz (Manuel Herz Architects, Basel) and Thorsten Kock (bez + kock architects, Stuttgart) shared their insights on the fine line between vision and feasibility. Herz spoke about projects that managed to achieve architectural quality despite the most difficult political and social conditions. Kock, on the other hand, reflected on the responsibilities of architecture in public space – navigating between design competition imagery, civic participation, building regulations and budgets.

The subsequent debate, moderated by Kristina Bacht (AIT-Dialog), opened the floor to key questions: Is the iconic competition design a “million-dollar shot” – or a misguided approach if reality recalibrates all standards? Can ambitious sustainability goals realistically align with current regulations, financing models, and life-cycle assessments? And does architecture evolve solely through confronting reality – or also thrive on visionary fiction?

Co-CEO Till Schmiedeknecht contributed Salamander’s perspective to the debate, sharing insights into the company’s sustainable goals and discussing the tension between intersubjective perception and physical reality – a conflict that is difficult, if not impossible, to fully reconcile.

The audience joined in the discussion with enthusiasm: Are idealistic sustainability goals truly achievable? What remains of the iconic competition image once planning, approval, and construction begin? And how does an architect’s mindset evolve over the course of their professional life?

The evening revealed: Wish and reality are not opposites, but mutually enriching forces. It is precisely the friction between ideal and reality that sparks new design ideas and meaningful compromises. This is where architecture’s creative potential lies – and often, even better solutions emerge than initially envisioned.

Following the successful premiere of O P E N – A Debate on Architecture, Urban and Rural Space in Munich, the Hamburg event clearly showed: the industry craves open, interdisciplinary forums in which to rethink the big questions of planning and building.

The next O P E N event is scheduled for 30 September 2025 in Cologne.

About Manuel Herz

Based in Basel, Manuel Herz is known for his interdisciplinary approach and his dedication to social and cultural issues. His firm, Manuel Herz Architects, realises projects that are both aesthetically ambitious and socially relevant. He merges innovative design with a deep understanding of local contexts and needs. Herz represents an architecture that is both visually compelling and socially committed. Through his cross-disciplinary methodology and social engagement, he makes a significant contribution to contemporary architecture.

About Thorsten Kock

In 2001, Thorsten Kock co-founded the architectural firm bez + kock architects in Stuttgart with Martin Bez. Today, the firm employs around 60 staff members and is known for its architecture that integrates functionality, aesthetics, and urban planning. A large portion of their projects are won through architectural competitions. The firm’s approach results in buildings that serve users’ needs while maintaining a respectful dialogue with their surroundings. Their designs are characterised by clear formal language, high-quality materials and sustainable construction.

About Salamander Industrie-Produkte GmbH

The company, headquartered in Türkheim/Unterallgäu, is a family-run, internationally active corporate group with three business divisions. With its largest division, Window & Door Systems, Salamander is one of the leading European providers of energy-efficient, design-oriented window and door systems. The innovative, customizable, and experiential products are sustainable, long lasting, future-oriented, and represent excellent quality with a sustainable design philosophy "Made in Germany." Salamander profile systems are distributed in over 72 countries worldwide. Another traditional division is Salamander Premium Solutions, the global market leader for sustainable quality leather fibre materials and vegan fibre material solutions for footwear, interior design, and premium packaging. The third business area, TTP-Papenburg GmbH, works as a development and implementation partner with sophisticated profile solutions for industrial clients. With a group turnover of around 392.5 million euros, Salamander employs a total of approximately 1,550 people worldwide, including more than 40 apprentices at several locations.

Press contact

Salamander Industrie-Produkte GmbH
Birgit Kern-Harasymiw
Corporate Communications Manager
E-Mail: bkern@sip.de
Tel.: +49 (0) 8245 52 519
Mobil: +49 (0) 163 7870 534
www.salamander-windows.com