Mobile Architecture, Temporary Space, Flying Building
Mobile Architecture, Temporary Space, Flying Building
The REH Space Expansion Halls
Mobile architecture or flying buildings can be a solution to the ever-increasing lack of space in cities around the world. Answers to this question can already be found in GDR architecture, such as Helmuth Both's concertina hall. The exhibition looks at a very special product that was produced around 3,500 times between 1966 and 1989 - the Raumerweiterungshalle, or ‘REH’ for short. Halls based on the principle of a telescope from Boizenburg/Elbe are true spatial wonders and characterised the image of many towns in the GDR, but can still be found today.
The centrepiece of the exhibition is a 1:5 scale model of a hall extension from the 1970s. Another highlight of the special exhibition is the film ‘Lost Silverfish of Berlin’ by director Rory Ryder. The exhibition is a co-operation with the Wismar University of Applied Sciences archive.
Sonderausstellung
28. März 2025 – 02. November 2025
Heute geöffnet 10 – 17 Uhr
Tickets Erwachsene 10€ | Ermäßigt 6€
From the GDR to Yemen and Guinea
The total production figure for all REHs is approx. 3500 units. They were mainly used in the GDR, but quite a few were also exported to the Soviet Union, Holland, Iraq, Yemen, Guinea and West Berlin (FRG).
The Faculty of Design at Wismar University of Applied Sciences gained access to the archive of the former production site in Boizenburg and was supported by the son of the company founder, Klaus Both, with help and advice during the research. Since 2021, part of the Both company's estate has been housed in the Müther archive at Wismar University of Applied Sciences.
After reunification, the room extension hall quickly fell into oblivion despite the relatively high production figures, as production was unprofitable and was therefore discontinued. Internationally standardized containers for temporary buildings were now also used in the new federal states.
Lost Silverfish of Berlin
Accompanying the exhibition, the film “Lost Silverfish of Berlin” by director Rory Ryder focuses on Berlin's housing crisis and looks for solutions in German architectural history. During his research, the director comes across a forgotten building - a space expansion hall - and questions its potential as a solution for emergency accommodation and temporary housing solutions.
