Integrating Art Conservation and Building Restoration in the Care of Organic Architecture

ABSTRACT

This paper presents the conservation treatment of original 1960s polyester design elements in the Düsseldorf Schauspielhaus, which was performed as an integral part of a major restoration of the landmark building. It is shown how the structural and usage-related context of the design influenced the decision-making process that led to the conservation treatment. This was relevant both for the choice of conservation materials and methods and for the integration of the conservation measures within the larger restoration project. To contribute to decision-making, the works of art were examined with regard to their production process, their installation within the building, their condition and their future use.

KEYWORDS:

• Plastics
• polyester
• glass fibre
• design
• surface cleaning
• organic architecture
• Bernhard Pfau
• Günter Grote
• Schauspielhaus Düsseldorf
• Düsseldorf theatre

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.