Obituary for Kristin Feireiss-Commerell: Architecture legend disembarks

Obituary for Kristin Feireiss-Commerell: Architecture legend disembarks

The Technical University of Braunschweig mourns the loss of Kristin Feireiss-Commerell, who died on May 19, 2025. She leaves an impressive legacy in the world of architecture, marked by her far-reaching contributions to architectural discourse both in Germany and internationally. Her role as a mediator between architecture, the public and science is unsurpassed. She had a decisive influence on the teaching of architecture over several decades.

Feireiss-Commerell was born in 1942 and studied history and philosophy at the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt. In 1980, together with Helga Retzer, she founded the architecture gallery AEDES in Berlin, which is considered the first private architecture gallery in Europe. The aim of the gallery was to bring architecture and urban space as important factors in everyday life to a broader public. Under her leadership, AEDES developed into the world's first architectural forum of its kind, which continues to host international exhibitions and debates to this day.

Influential positions and awards

Kristin Feireiss-Commerell held various important positions, including director of the Nederlands Architectuurinstituut in Rotterdam between 1996 and 2001. In these positions she was not only involved as a curator, but also as an author and editor. Her publications dealt with central themes in architecture, such as the relationship between people and architecture and the creative potential of informality.

Their commitment and achievements have been honored many times. In 2007, the Technical University of Braunschweig awarded her an honorary doctorate for her contribution to architectural education. She also received the Federal Cross of Merit on ribbon and was awarded the Royal Dutch Order “Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion” in 2012. Her work has also been recognized at major events such as the Venice Architecture Biennale.

Architecture in the context of social changes

The role of architecture and urban planning has changed significantly over the last three decades. The focus is no longer just on aesthetic issues, but also on social aspects. Architecture is increasingly perceived as a strategic tool that contributes to the branding of cities while promoting social inclusion and exclusion. Feireiss-Commerell was aware of the social responsibility of architecture and always advocated for inclusive debate.

The topics she addressed range from social selectivity in urban spaces to the critical examination of the instrumentalization of architecture. Her writings on topics such as urban informality and the social dimension of architecture illustrate how profound social changes also influence architecture.

Kristin Feireiss-Commerell remains an inspiring role model for the academic world and today's professional discourses in architecture and urban planning. Her commitment to openness, independence and intellectual curiosity will continue to accompany and inspire generations of architects.