Feature

ANKOMMEN: Exploring the Architecture of Refugee Accommodations in Germany

Editor: Alexandre Kurek

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Malte Uchtmann, ANKOMMEN, Kult Books

In recent years, Germany has become known for its Willkommenskultur [culture of welcome] towards refugees. However, beneath the surface of this reputation lies a complex web of architectural infrastructure, social structures, and political implications that influence the experiences of both refugees and local residents. Malte Uchtmann's book ANKOMMEN [ARRIVING] is a significant undertaking that scrutinizes the state-provided architectural infrastructure designed for housing refugees in Germany. This work initiates a deep exploration of the prevailing construction methods and urban planning measures within this context. It aims to uncover the effects these architectural choices have on both refugees and the host communities, while also delving into the social and political structures intertwined with them.

While Germany's Willkommenskultur has received international recognition, ANKOMMEN points out that there are deliberate, as well as subconscious, material and immaterial barriers that complicate the arrival and integration of refugees. The project serves as a wake-up call, urging us to recognize the influence of architecture in refugee accommodation. It challenges us to consider the extent to which structural and institutional racism are embedded in our society and architectural practices. The objective of Uchtmann's work is to create awareness of how architectural choices impact the lives of refugees and the communities receiving them. Providing a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those involved, and allowing the viewer to recognizing the mechanisms at play.

Malte Uchtmann's ANKOMMEN is a compelling work that encourages us to look beyond the surface of Germany's welcoming reputation and explore the complex dynamics at play in the architecture of refugee accommodations. It's a reminder that even in countries known for their hospitality, there's always more to discover and address when it comes to supporting refugees. ANKOMMEN is not just a thought-provoking project; it's also received well-deserved recognition. The book was awarded the German Photobook Prize and earned a place on the shortlist for the Kassel Dummy Award. It's worth noting that the book is not limited to one language; it's bilingual, featuring a text by migration and spatial sociologist Philipp Piechura in both German and English.

Malte Uchtmann, Ankommen

German/English
252 pages
25.5 x 19.6 cm
Swiss binding
500 copies
ISBN: 978-91-984059-8-9
€39

Published by Kult Books

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Malte Uchtmann, ANKOMMEN, Kult Books

About the Artist

Malte Uchtmann, born in 1996 in Hamburg, Germany, is a photographer and media artist based in Leipzig. His work explores the intersection of knowledge, truth, and reality as conveyed through various visual media, and its impact on human perception and behavior. He employs documentary image strategies while incorporating elements of fiction.

Uchtmann's work has received recognition, including the German Photo Book Prize and a shortlisting for the C/O Berlin Talent Award in 2023. Currently, he is pursuing a diploma in the Photography and Media Class, as well as the Expanded Cinema Class, at the Academy of Fine Arts Leipzig (HGB).

Uchtmann's work challenges conventional boundaries, inviting viewers to question the nature of reality. His combination of documentary and fictional elements adds a unique dimension to his artistry, making him a notable figure in the realm of photography and media art.

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