UMBAU (conversion) means the continuous transformation of existing structures. Considering today’s climate goals, UMBAU will move from being the exception to becoming the rule. The exhibition by von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (gmp) discusses recent case studies of conversion practices from the 21st century dealing with the architectural heritage of the Moderne movement. What the projects have in common is a conceptual approach to UMBAU, which, starting from a comprehensive inventory of the existing, continues and develops the old as an architectural evolution. UMBAU is not unique, but continues into the future as a Nonstop Transformation, as a collaboration spanning generations.

UMBAU has been part of gmp's practice for over forty years. Seven out of sixty projects of this kind are presented in the UMBAU Nonstop Transformationexhibition, including projects that have been completed, that are under construction, and projects in the planning phase. The buildings represent 20th century architecture from Germany and China. On display are the Berlin State Library at the Kulturforum in Berlin (1978), the Berlin Olympic Stadium (1936), the Kulturpalast Dresden (1969), concrete shell constructions like the Hyparschale in Magdeburg (1969) and the Alster-Schwimmhalle in Hamburg (1973). It also features the transformation of Shanghai's largest stainless steel factory (1986) into the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts and the transformation of a former transformer building in Munich (1929) into the Isarphilharmonie at Gasteig HP8. The exhibition traces processes of the continuous transformation of the buildings - from original to UMBAU.