Architecture is built history, and it does not only bear testimony to historic developments or feats of engineering, but also carries great sociological significance.

Conceived as a central archive devoted to documenting the architecture of North Rhine-Westphalia and the best in civil engineering, “Baukunstarchiv NRW” will open in fall 2018 on the site of the former “Museum am Ostwall.” However, the historic building, which itself has witnessed an eventful history, will be more than an archive. It will serve as a venue for discussion and exhibitions – a public institution for architectural discourse.

As its publishing partner, Verlag Kettler is going to collaborate with Baukunstarchiv from the start. The book, which is being released on the occasion of the opening exhibition, will provide a detailed overview of the rich archival collections and bequests. It will use images and texts to present them to the public, showcasing selected plans, models, and written documents.