After The Blinds

Question: How can the past be used to renovate an empty shell full of memories and bridge the gap between continuity and innovation?

In 2013, photographer Wenger received a unique opportunity: sole access to document the Robert Koch Forum in Berlin before renovations began. The once-bustling building stood vacant, shrouded in darkness with most windows covered. The sale had been finalised, and refurbishment loomed.

Wenger's resulting series captured the building's state of suspended animation. Exhibited later at the German Technical Museum, these photographs sparked public interest in the imposing 1883 structure. Determined to document its progress, Wenger made repeated attempts to revisit the site. However, access remained restricted.

Years passed. The building faced neglect, with successive owners deterred by the renovation's scale. The COVID-19 pandemic further delayed progress. Finally, in 2022, nearly a decade after his initial visit, Wenger was granted permission to resume his project.

This series chronicles the full lifecycle of the renovation. Gone are the black foils that symbolised the building's dormancy. Light floods back in, marking a new chapter for the Robert Koch Forum. This project serves as a visual record of the building's transformation, a testament to both the passage of time and the enduring legacy of the past.

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