The FORUM FÜR GESTALTUNG is a public communication platform and a laboratory for the experimental exploration of design-related materials. The forum is underpinned by a foundation of scientifically grounded reflection and tangible presentations that showcase examples of contemporary design advancements across various fields including product design, visual communication, architecture, garden and landscape design, urban planning and fine arts.

The idea of establishing the Marianne Brandt Society e.V. and the Henry van de Velde Society Saxony e.V. under one conceptual umbrella as a FORUM FÜR GESTALTUNG in Chemnitz for greater efficiency and better visibility was developed by Rolf Lieberknecht in consultation with the designer Karl-Clauss Dietel in 2016

Given that design operates within an increasingly complex context, the FORUM FÜR GESTALTUNG is committed to exploring this framework from the viewpoints of the natural sciences, engineering and humanities.
Nurtured by the industrial prosperity that shaped Chemnitz at the close of the 19th century, a vibrant cultural landscape flourished. An illustration of this phenomenon is the artistic output of the “Brücke” group.

Chemnitz’s cultural landscape in the 20th century also includes the globally renowned artistic and creative contributions of figures such as Henry van de Velde and Marianne Brandt. Karl Clauss Dietel, a Chemnitz-based industrial designer, played a pivotal role in shaping the “Ostdesign” of industrial products in the GDR.

Over the last two decades, the Henry van de Velde Gesellschaft Sachsen e.V. and the Marianne Brandt-Gesellschaft e. V. have actively commemorated the legacies of these two world-renowned artists, Henry van de Velde and Marianne Brandt, within the context of Chemnitz. Using various approaches, they have expanded upon their creative endeavours, disseminating their contributions to the urban community and fostering enduring inspiration.

Since 2018, TANKSTELLE PROJEKTRAUM has effectively positioned itself as a key player in facilitating transdisciplinary interaction between artistic design and science. Through its innovative presentation and discussion spaces, located within a glass pavilion and public urban areas, it has fostered meaningful dialogue and engagement in the community.

The FORUM FÜR GESTALTUNG is currently fostering a link between the varied approaches of the Marianne Brandt-Gesellschaft e. V., the Henry van de Velde Gesellschaft Sachsen e. V., and TANKSTELLE PROJEKTRAUM (since 2024), aiming to establish a collaborative creative platform.