AAC Workshop Promotes Building Reuse for Architecture Students

For the summer 2025 iteration, running June 2nd to 27th and culminating in a public design exhibition, participants will create feasible design proposals to transform the ExxonMobil Building — an icon of fossil fuel monopoly originally built in 1963 — towards a carbon-free community. Featuring advisory input and mentorship from gmp executive partner Stephan Schütz, architect Charles Renfro (partner at Diller Scofidio + Renfro) among other experts, this year’s program is only the second aac Workshop to focus on a U.S. site and takes participants to Houston, and Hamburg, Germany over the monthlong study period. It is organized by the aac in collaboration with the Rice University School of Architecture.

As we face an increasingly urgent climate crisis, the future of the built environment depends on the concept of umbau, or continuously transforming existing structures —and for today’s emerging generation of architects, this work will be the crux of professional practice,” says gmp’s Schütz. “With the academy team’s guidance, young designers are empowered to innovate, explore their creativity, learn from experienced mentors, and grow their potential.”

About the aac Academy for Architectural Culture (aac)

The aac Academy for Architectural Culture is a private, non-profit organization, located in Hamburg and founded by von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (gmp). With research studies and intensive courses held throughout the year, the aac is dedicated to finding solutions to relevant architectural issues and the further education of young architects from different cultures. Workshops bring together young architecture students and graduates from all over the world in order to develop solutions for future-relevant architectural tasks together. The participants are constantly supported by partners from the architecture office gmp and tutors from architectural practice. Well-known architects and experts contribute their knowledge in lectures and guest critiques.

Feature Image Courtesy of: AAC