MUNICH.- The Bavarian Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts and Haus der Kunst announced that David Chipperfield Architects prevailed in the final round of the two-stage competitive tender procedure for the overall renovation of Haus der Kunst, one of the most iconic and controversial architectural landmarks in Munich. The final selection procedure included four other architectural firms, three of which also made excellent presentations to the jury.

In addition to the Public Building Authority Munich 1, which is in charge of the renovation and published the European contract notice in April this year, the jury included the Bavarian Ministry for Science, Research and the Arts, the Supreme Building Authority Munich; as well as Okwui Enwezor (Director, Haus der Kunst), Dr Klaus Schrenk (General Director, Bavarian State Collections), and Andres Lepik (Director, Architekturmuseum TU Munich).

The jury was particularly impressed both by David Chipperfield Architects' records in renovating and realizing museum buildings internationally and in its analytical and open approach to the defined task itself, which will allow solutions to be collaboratively developed with all affiliated partners. David Chipperfield Architects believes the architectural task requires less the signature of an architect than it does an intelligent exploration on the requirements of current and future uses of the building. Three aspects in particular play an important role here: Haus der Kunst's relationship with the surrounding urban space and the adjacent English Garden park, the museum's program in connection with the future use of the building, and the architecture of the building itself.

"Once again, a leading world architect will work on an architectural commission in Bavaria, which will further enrich our cultural landscape," commented Dr Wolfgang Heubisch, Bavarian State Minister of Science, Research and the Arts, when speaking of the decision. "Outstanding references in the field of museums and public building, as well as international experience in the renovation and restoration of important architectural monuments, are the best conditions for a successful collaboration."

Okwui Enwezor, director Haus der Kunst, is delighted with the decision and impressed with David Chipperfield Architects' record of accomplishments. "The renovation of Haus der Kunst provides a rare opportunity for the transformation and redevelopment of not only the beautifully proportioned spaces of Haus der Kunst, but also a chance to reimagine the institutional model and the potential for contemporary art at Haus der Kunst for Munich and beyond."

"As the memory of Haus der Kunst's construction is consigned to history, we can look at the building in a new light. This opens up new perspectives for Haus der Kunst as an architectural monument and institution," said Alexander Schwarz, partner at David Chipperfield Architects Berlin, commenting on the new task.

The selection of the architectural firm marks the start of the planning phase and the preparation of the budget proposal, which will subsequently be submitted to the Bavarian State Parliament for approval. Renovation work is expected to begin in 2015/2016.

"Haus der Deutschen Kunst", which opened in 1937, was planned as the first monumental and representative building of the "Third Reich" and for seven years played host to an annual large scale exhibition of German art. After the war, from 1945-1955, the United States military government temporarily occupied the building. Since the late 1940s, Haus der Kunst has steadily developed into a leading and internationally renowned center for contemporary art, and today is recognized for its innovative exhibitions and public programs.