Städelschule celebrates its anniversary

During the time of their post-graduate studies at the Städelschule, Till Schneider and Michael Schumacher decided to work together in the future. In 1988, they founded their architectural practice, which took over the renovation of the art school around 20 years later.

After their architectural studies, they were looking for the intellectual confrontation with the international architecture scene and received the decisive impetus by purely conceptual design in their class, taught by Peter Cook at the Städelschule from 1986 to 1988. Till Schneider and Michael Schumacher agree: "Our style of design still goes back to the time at the Städelschule. It is about the design strategy, which develops an own dynamic and it is much more than the personal stroke of a genius. The geniality lies in the strategy."

In 2010 Till Schneider and Michael Schumacher were commissioned with the modernization of their former school. After heavy discussions – also with the teaching art professors – the unanimous opinion was: Just like the Städelschule is right now, it is great. The historical building shows a delightful contrast of uncompromising modernism through the reconstruction in 1955 in the context to the Wilhelmina architecture of the 19th century. The aim was to preserve this special character; so it can be experienced by future student generations.

Pictures on the right side: (left) The "Wolkenkratzer" (the skyscraper) by Till Schneider, designed in 1988 at the Städelschule. (Right) During his time at the school, Michael Schumacher designed the "Badeanstalt" (public bath).