Creating Home
Interview with Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Forster, Managing Director of Stefan Forster GmbH
Stefan Forster GmbH, based in Frankfurt am Main, has already implemented countless large construction projects throughout Germany. Their focus is on urban housing construction. But beyond that, the multiple award-winning architecture firm has a lot to show.
When managing director Stefan Forster and his partner founded the architecture firm in 2018, times were better. Many large housing projects followed. The Ukraine war was a decisive turning point, he says. The result: a downsizing of the team and a broader setup. Meanwhile, they have also established themselves in healthcare, office construction, and renovations. However, his profession does not have an easy time today, according to the architect. One reason is the trend towards modular construction. 'It has many advantages like speed and allows for just as beautiful construction as conventional methods. But since many modular builders want to save on architects, the examples we see are rather embarrassing. The displacement of our profession by modular builders is a major issue.'
Sustainability is often neglected in construction today. "We see our task in making a contribution to society that will last for 100 years. But today it's all about building as many apartments as cheaply as possible. Quality and sustainability get left behind." In regards to the problem of affordable housing, "the crux is that people want to make money from building housing. There is a fundamental right to housing. Therefore, the state should provide adequate housing."
Despite everything, building remains his passion: "I could retire as a pensioner. But I still want to, because building is a fascinating thing. It also creates a sense of home. When I drive through Frankfurt, where there are about 45 buildings of mine, I see them like my children and observe how they have developed."