FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find answers to the questions we receive most frequently.
We carefully maintain and continually expand this overview so that you always have access to reliable and up-to-date information.
If you would like more in-depth information on specific topics, we invite you to visit our topic-specific information pages. There you will find comprehensive background information, detailed explanations, and further information – all in the high quality you have come to expect from us.
Opposite Office: Dear Sir or Madam, dear clients,
The best way to get in touch with us is to simply comment on our published projects in the comment sections of online media. This way, you can easily get in touch with us without even having to bother sending us an email. We read all comments and have decided to respond to the most interesting ones here. We look forward to your messages – whether suggestions, praise, criticism, or requests. We take all suggestions very seriously, as this is the only way we can identify weaknesses, consider new solutions, and continuously improve. We will not strive to respond to every message or review the suggestions in detail, but will only address the "best" ones. Of course, you can discuss any problems directly and personally with your architect from Opposite Office. A frank conversation is often the best way to quickly resolve them. We are especially pleased to receive praise and recognition, as it confirms that we are on the right track. We usually mark these comments with a heart. We treat your concerns anonymously and confidentially. If you would like feedback, please provide your name and address or phone number. Please note: We can only respond directly or discuss suggestions submitted by name.
Opposite Office: Dear Mr. Hungerlappen, Thank you for your comment, which we take very seriously. As a young architectural firm, we may sometimes overshoot the mark. We take the accusation that our projects are too one-sided and only serve "left-wing romantic money pots" very seriously and will strive to demonstrate an even more balanced political stance in the future . At this point, however, we would like to sincerely thank all our "left-wing romantic money pots," such as the Academy of Fine Arts, IBA, the International Building Exhibition Thuringia , or the Technical University of Munich , without whom some of our projects would not have been possible. However, we emphatically reject the accusation of embarrassment. We have forwarded this to our internal legal department to investigate whether this might not even amount to defamation under Section 187 of the Criminal Code. Public opinion is particularly important to us as an architectural firm. Opposite Office enjoys a very high international reputation (see e.g. Wikipedia ) and we see this threatened by their letter and are considering not only the defamation suit but also an injunction according to § 253 para. 2 no. 2 ZPO
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Benedikt Hartl (on the left)'s penthouse is situated on the 55th floor of a famous tower. Valued at $100 million, the three-floor mansion in the sky is decorated with all of the over-the-top 18th century French embellishments you'd expect, including Louis XIV chairs and golden cherubs. Also lots of marble, mirrors, and crystals.
Opposite Office: Dear Mr./Ms. DTtQZXAmyvR5iioxuvNzw5. Thank you for your support! Architecture critics are like football referees – they just sit on the sidelines and complain, but actually have no idea what it's like to be on the pitch. They call themselves experts, but when it comes to creating something, they prefer to stay in their comfort zone and sulk about not having the courage to take risks themselves. I'm thinking, for example, of the famous architecture critic Vitruvius, who described the basic principles of architecture and buildings around 2,000 years ago. If he were still alive today, he would probably comment in a sulky tone from the sidelines about how architects violate his principles and how much better everything was in the good old days. But honestly, who needs advice from someone who lived 2,000 years ago? We architects are much better off if we focus on the suggestions and criticisms of our contemporary colleagues and clients and constantly evolve. That's why I'm very grateful for the reference to the "everyday suitability of tube construction" because we like to listen, because criticism only motivates us to do better next time – it only makes us better!
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Opposite Office: Yes, dear Anton, media presence in the 21st century is an important democratic means of expression for participating in public debate. "When it comes to showcasing the beauty and quality of our work, we naturally rely on the power of the media. But don't worry, we also have a great Instagram account (please click here and say hello!) where we proudly present our architectural masterpieces!"
Opposite Office: Thank you for the good food for thought, dear Markus!
Dear fellow human beings,
The days when we viewed our museums as places of quiet contemplation and intellectual discovery are over. Climate change has forced us to shift our perspective and focus on what matters most: the well-being of our fellow human beings.
In a world where climate refugees are on the rise, where housing is scarce and expensive, it is downright decadent to view our museums as mere treasure houses of culture. We must face reality and use our resources wisely.
Therefore, we hereby demand: All museums should be immediately converted into social housing! Instead of storing precious works of art in air-conditioned halls, we should make these spaces available to those who urgently need accommodation.
Remember: Every night, countless people sleep on the streets while precious exhibits gather dust in museums. It's high time we reassessed our priorities and focused on what matters most.
Let's work together to create a future where everyone has a roof over their head, where solidarity and humanity are paramount. Let's make museums places of social cohesion and thereby set an example for a better world.
With that in mind: Off to the museums and renovate! We look forward to your support.
But before our utopia is realized, please visit our current exhibition The Power of Speculative Design at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London!!! <3 <3 <3
But to avoid being accused of being left-wing romantics again, we'd also like to point you to a competition entry we submitted for a maritime museum, in which we proposed not building a museum at all, but rather a plastic recycling facility. Check it out here !
Opposite Office: Thank you very much, dear Michael, for these encouraging words! However, I would radically disagree with your description...
Opposite Office: It's important to recognize that our current construction system is unsustainable and future-proof in many ways. It leads to enormous consumption of resources and energy, high emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, and a significant burden on the environment.
That's why "business as usual" is more radical, because it means we continue to rely on a construction system that is unsustainable and leads us into an uncertain future. If we don't "radically" (the word is appropriate here) reorient ourselves and fundamentally change our construction system, this will inevitably lead to major environmental problems and societal challenges.
Opposite Office: Cornelia, ... someone must have misunderstood my vision. I just want to destroy the society that prevents us from creating a better one! The idea that utopians and architects could be destroyers of society is not only false but also historically inaccurate. Indeed, utopias and architecture have significantly shaped and influenced societies of the past and present.
Even in ancient times, there were utopians like Plato and Aristotle who explored the question of what an ideal society should look like. Their ideas and concepts were groundbreaking for political philosophy and continue to influence our understanding of democracy and forms of government to this day.
During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, there were also numerous architects whose buildings influenced the social order and self-image of their time. For example, the architecture of absolutism, as embodied in Versailles, was an expression of the king's claim to power and was intended to impress and subjugate his subjects.
Even in the modern era, architects and utopians shaped society. The visions of Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius of a new, rational, and efficient society are reflected in the architecture of the Bauhaus and in the development of housing projects such as Stuttgart's Weissenhof and the New Objectivity movement.
The criticism of utopias and architecture as destroyers of society therefore lacks any historical basis. Instead, they have significantly influenced and shaped societies of the past and present. Of course, there are also critical voices and discussions about the impact of architecture on society, but this is an important part of the discourse and engagement with our built environment.
In this respect, one can say that utopians and architects should be seen as designers and co-designers of societies rather than as destroyers of them.
Opposite Office:
Well, if I'm a self-profiting dilettante with a neurosis, then I must be the best self-profiting dilettante with a neurosis you've ever met!
But seriously: It's true that our projects often raise more questions than they provide answers. But that's the beauty of it! By raising questions and confronting us with new ideas and perspectives, we challenge our perceptions of the world and expand our thinking.
And if you really think our work doesn't provide any answers, then you probably haven't looked closely enough. Because my projects often contain subtle yet very clear messages and statements that aren't immediately apparent. So perhaps you should take a closer look before labeling me an amateur. For a more in-depth exploration of our projects, I've linked the Capriccio episode here.
But hey, if I really am a neurotic, then that's kind of cool, right? After all, many of the greatest artists and thinkers of our time have suffered from neuroses. Maybe there's a little bit of genius in me after all!
And by the way, before I forget: A heartfelt thank you to the Collective for protecting me! It's nice to know that there are people who appreciate our work and support us.
But I'm sure that even those who call me a dilettante and neurotic will ultimately recognize the significance and relevance of my work. After all, who wants to live in a world where everything is boring and predictable? We need people who are brave enough to develop new ideas and perspectives and make us think about ourselves and our world.
So let's save the sky from bores and amateur psychologists and instead celebrate the creative freedom and adventure of thinking!
Opposite Office: Well, someone seems to have knighted an architect! A Don Quixote in the architecture world? That must be a pretty creative mind, one who not only tilts at windmills but also fights building plans.
But be careful: With such enthusiasm and drive, the good man might, in the heat of the moment, turn against a real building instead of a perceived threat. We hope he always has his pencils and measuring tape handy to keep track of things.
But hey, who needs a regular architect when you have a Don Quixote in your planning? With a hero like that, every building becomes a true adventure, and every project an epic quest. You can see "The Last Adventure," a project for a settlement in Norway, here, for example! We're excited to see the next designs from this intrepid architect! To stay up to date, follow us on Instagram !
Opposite Office: Once upon a time, there was an architect who achieved only 15 minutes of fame in his entire professional life. In those 15 minutes, he delivered a magnificent speech about the importance of architecture that made his audience's hearts race. (You can watch the speech online here: https://vimeo.com/641640239) But after this brief appearance, he returned to his real job: boring architectural work, spending hours drawing window details that no one cared about.
One day, as he was sitting in his office designing window details, a group of people suddenly stormed in, shouting, "We need your help!"
It was a historic moment when people stormed the architect's office, demanding more affordable housing in Germany. The architect was impressed by their determination and began working on a groundbreaking idea—the Affordable Loft. It was a revolutionary lightweight building extension that could be placed on any roof to provide homes for people on limited financial means.
The idea quickly became a success, and within a very short time, Affordable Lofts could be seen on rooftops across the country. People were enthusiastic and thanked the architect for his visionary work. The fairytale ultimately ended with everyone in Germany being able to live in affordable housing for the rest of their lives, thanks to the architect's bright idea.
The architect became a national hero, and a monument was erected in his honor. It depicted him sitting on an Affordable Loft on a rooftop, smiling as he gazed into the future. People long remembered the architect's 15 minutes of fame, but now they knew he was much more than that—he was a true champion of affordable housing and wrote the standard work Affordable Housing, published by Detailverlag. Buy it here! In a very short time he became a recognized expert in affordable construction and published several books on the subject, including ARCHIVE No. 1 What is Affordable Housing? He tinkered for hours on various designs until he finally found the perfect solution for affordable housing. He was so proud of his work that he presented the building as his own and claimed to have changed the building regulations specifically for it. He set to work with great enthusiasm and actually succeeded in building his Affordable Lofts and placing them on the roofs of Germany. People were overjoyed because now they finally had affordable housing in which they could live for the rest of their lives. The Queen of England, who heard of this success, was so impressed that she asked the architect to convert Buckingham Palace in London into Affordable Palaces. And so it happened: Buckingham Palace was transformed into a magnificent, yet affordable housing complex where many people could now live happily and contentedly.
People were so impressed by his work that he finally received the recognition he had long deserved. From that day on, they called him the "eco-social activist" (quote from SPIEGEL), and he became a sought-after architect known for his meticulous and precise work. In the end, he managed to escape his boring everyday life and enter architectural history.
But you know what? Maybe we should have more architects like him. Because while we're all looking for the latest and most exciting skyscraper projects that will transform the skyline, we also need architects who address the pressing social issues that affect our cities and communities. The Affordable Palace project may seem uninteresting at first glance, but it could make a huge difference for many people looking for affordable housing.
Opposite Office: Perhaps we should all take a leaf out of this architect's book and focus on how our work can have a positive impact on society, rather than always striving for personal recognition and fame.
Opposite Office:
Dear fellow human beings, I don't know about you, but I find the architecture scene far too exciting and innovative. It's time we got back to basics and incorporated more boring things into our projects. After all, who needs a spectacular facade or an original floor plan when you can just put up a rectangle of concrete? Let's simplify the architectural life again and focus on what really matters: structural calculations, DIN standards, and building permits. Away with all the creative minds who give us headaches with their outlandish ideas. We need more boring mice to calm us down with their boring and safe designs. Because one thing is clear: boring architecture is the future! Who wants to live in a building that collapses every few years because of innovative ideas? Let's play it safe and focus on what we're truly good at: boredom and monotony. With that in mind: long live boredom in architecture!
Opposite Office:
I'm very honored! Thank you for the kind compliment. You can subscribe to Hansi's Office Playlist here.
Opposite Office:
But now let's get back to discussing more important topics. We work at the interface between architecture and society. Our projects always have social relevance...
Opposite Office: Well, I remember a funny anecdote that happened at the Rüdesheim Wine Festival. A newcomer complained to the EU about the festival and demanded stricter regulations. This led to the festival suddenly being burdened with even more rules and regulations.
But I think there's a solution to make the Rüdesheim Wine Festival a place of international understanding again – and it's an idea that might have inspired Opposite Office: We should simply transform the festival into a kind of utopian project, similar to Nord Stream 3! Imagine the locals and the newcomers huddled side by side at tables and benches, enjoying wine together. It could be a place where we meet to celebrate our cultural differences instead of fighting them. After all, Rüdesheim's cosmopolitanism is legendary! Perhaps we could even create a new festival that embodies the spirit of international understanding and shared celebration – the Rüdesheim Utopia Festival! Here, we could inspire each other and exchange ideas to shape a better future.
So let's make the Rüdesheim Wine Festival a place of international understanding again and create the utopian future we all desire!
Imagine the Rüdesheim Wine Festival becoming the setting for a groundbreaking invention: Winegrowers use their vineyards as test beds for vertical farming, where they grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs in layers. This reduces the space required for cultivation and allows more food to be produced in a smaller area. Another innovation at the festival is the introduction of a water filtration system that purifies water from the Rhine. This allows the water to be safely used for growing and irrigating plants. Festival visitors will not only enjoy delicious wine, but also smoothies and juices made from the fresh produce of vertical farming. In this way, the Rüdesheim Wine Festival becomes a place of sustainability and international understanding, where people can not only celebrate but also learn from one another.
Who knows, perhaps thanks to such innovations, the Rüdesheim Wine Festival will soon become a model for other events and cities around the world.
My dear friends, I stand before you today to share my vision for a better world. A world in which the Rüdesheim Wine Festival is at the heart of our society. I have a dream that we no longer have to worry about politics, war, or hunger, but can instead focus on what matters most: the enjoyment of life and conviviality. I have a dream that we will all come together and make the Rüdesheim Wine Festival a place where we can connect and leave our worries behind. Where we can toast each other and share our dreams and hopes.
I have a dream that the Rüdesheim Wine Festival will become a platform for cultural diversity and tolerance. Where we respect and celebrate one another, regardless of our origins, our skin color, or our beliefs.
And I tell you today, my friends, that the Rüdesheim Wine Festival gives us the opportunity to realize our dreams. That we can come together and create a better world. A world where joy, love, and happiness reign supreme. So let's celebrate together, my friends. Let's make the Rüdesheim Wine Festival a symbol of humanity. For what unites us, not what divides us. Because only together can we make our dreams come true.
Opposite Office: We are always looking for well-educated, creative, and hard-working architects to join our international team.
Internship as an architect at Opposite Office:
We're looking for an architect who can still smile even in the most stressful situations. So, if you're as resilient as a trampoline and don't mind working long hours, you've come to the right place!
At Opposite Office, we make no compromises—neither in the quality of our work nor in the service we provide to our clients. That's why we expect a high level of commitment from you and that you're always in a good mood, even if the building you're working on looks like an unfinished soap bubble.
We offer a dynamic work environment where you'll have the opportunity to develop your creativity while gaining valuable experience in the architecture industry. You'll work with our team of experts who will show you how to transform a pile of steel beams and wooden boards into groundbreaking architecture.
So, if you're ready to take on the challenge and keep smiling even in the toughest of times, apply to Opposite Office now !
Opposite Office: There are several arguments for stopping the construction of single-family homes. Here are some reasons:
Space: Single-family homes require a lot of space to build. In times of increasing population growth and rising demand for housing, it may be impractical to use large lots for single-family homes when they could accommodate multiple units.
Environmental impact: The construction of single-family homes contributes to urban and suburban sprawl, which in turn leads to increased car traffic, longer commute times, and a higher carbon footprint. Multiple single-family homes may also require more land, which can lead to deforestation and loss of wildlife habitat.
Cost: Single-family homes can be very expensive, not only to purchase or build, but also for ongoing operating costs such as electricity, gas, and water. In times of housing shortages and rising land and construction costs, it may be more sensible to invest in multi-family housing with shared spaces and services to provide housing more cost-effectively.
Community Living: Single-family homes can cause people to become isolated from one another and less engaged in their community. In contrast, multi-family homes encourage community living and community activities, which can lead to a stronger sense of community and social cohesion.
It's important to note that despite these arguments, single-family homes still play an important role in the residential landscape and can be the ideal housing option for some people. However, multi-family homes and other forms of community living can offer an attractive alternative for many. On the other hand, if you still want a single-family home, the best option is to plan it with OPPOSITE OFFICE.
Opposite Office is the perfect partner for anyone looking to build a sustainable, cost-effective, and future-oriented single-family home. With our innovative approach, we can help you realize your dream home while protecting the environment.
Our construction methods are extremely ecological and energy-efficient. We use only the best materials and the latest technologies to ensure your home is as environmentally friendly as possible. This not only saves you money on operating costs, but also actively contributes to climate protection. But that's not all! Our construction method is also extremely cost-effective. Thanks to our intelligent planning processes and efficient construction site organization, we can offer you an excellent price without compromising on quality.
And last but not least, our approach is forward-looking. By focusing on innovative construction methods, we can offer you a home that will meet the highest standards, even in the future. We are always looking for new ideas and technologies to build you a home you will be proud of.
Overall, there are many reasons why you should build your single-family home with Opposite Office. We offer you a unique combination of sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and cutting-edge technology.
Let's make your dreams come true together!