The former Stasi headquarters in Leipzig, also known as the „Runde Ecke,“ is located at a historically significant site. Originally, a Slavic castle stood here as part of the settlement of „urbs Libzi.“ Later, the Mathäikirchhof was established, which was destroyed during World War II. On this vacant site, the expansion of the Stasi headquarters and a building for the Volkspolizei in the form of a prefab construction were erected in 1978. This location is closely linked to various political and historical developments in Leipzig. It carries the memory of the resistance against the SED regime and the surveillance by the Stasi. The proximity to significant historical sites like the Nikolaikirche and the Leipzig city ring, which played a central role in the Peaceful Revolution, adds special importance to this site. The transformation from a place of power and control to a place of remembrance and political education reflects the profound changes Leipzig and the entire region have undergone.

The location offers great potential to develop into a center for memory, education, and research, addressing both the past and promoting political education and societal discourse. With the urban concept of the Green Ring and a new focus in the city center, the complex can become a place of dialogue and remembrance that holds both local and regional significance.

The design aims to transform the former Stasi headquarters from its current state of stagnation into a vibrant and active center. The redesign integrates various functions that flow into one another, while respecting the historical significance of the site. This will create spaces that reflect the past while also offering room for present and future developments, with flexible „possibility spaces“ for different uses.

The courtyard of the building complex will serve as the central development area for the design. An organically shaped structure, which flows through the existing buildings, will create a new entrance situation and symbolize the connection between past and future. This „foreign body“ will provide a clear structure and connect the various functions within the complex.

Under the amoeba-shaped roof, two round structures will house the Infopoint and Café. The Infopoint will be the first stop for visitors to gather information about the exhibitions, events, and the overall project. The Café will provide a space for gathering and relaxation, inviting visitors to exchange ideas and reflect on the political and historical themes of the site. Additionally, two cylindrical volumes will extend into the basement to house a flexible exhibition space for temporary exhibits on current political and historical issues, as well as an event room for discussions and lectures on political and societal topics.

The Stasi Museum will span several floors of the building complex. It will begin in the former insurance building and extend through the Stasi building to present the history and functions of the Stasi in depth. The exhibition area will be designed to make the development and activities of the Stasi experienceable over multiple floors, showcasing the historical rooms and structures once used by the Stasi. The exhibit will reference the working conditions and surveillance methods of the time, without aiming for literal authenticity.

The School Museum is housed in another section of the former insurance building. It is dedicated to the history of education across different periods and examines the political influence on the education system. It provides an important opportunity to engage with political indoctrination and the impact of the educational system on society.

A library for political research will be located in part of the former Stasi building. This library will serve as a hub for academic engagement with the history of the GDR, the Peaceful Revolution, and other political issues. The space will be designed to provide a productive environment for both students and researchers.

The archive of the Federal Commissioner for the Stasi Records (BStU) will be located in the former Volkspolizei building and will be structurally adapted to meet the archival requirements for the large volume of documents. It will be a key part of the complex and serve as an important resource for scholarly research on the GDR past.

Another section of the former building will be converted into a hostel or research accommodation, specifically designed for students and researchers. This will encourage networking and exchange between various educational and research institutions in Leipzig and beyond.

The remaining area of the former Stasi building will be transformed into flexible workspaces through targeted interventions in the facade and ceilings, creating „possibility spaces.“ These areas will be designed to adapt to various uses. They will provide space for workshops, collaborative projects, creative initiatives, as well as social and political discussions. The architecture promotes open and adaptable use, allowing the spaces to be reconfigured for changing demands and dynamic projects. This will create a lively place for collaboration and innovation that fosters dialogue and engagement with societal, political, and historical issues.

The design aims to transform the Runde Ecke into a vibrant center for memory, political education, and research. It will be a place for dialogue and reflection, focusing on past and current societal issues. By integrating the Stasi Museum, School Museum, temporary exhibitions, event spaces, flexible workspaces, Café, and Infopoint, the building will become a multifunctional space for education, research, and discussion. The complex will foster networking with other educational institutions and offer a platform for the analysis of GDR history as well as for regional and national exchanges on political education.

Collaboration with Julia Dehmel and Theresa Herold

2020