The exhibition MAßSTÄBLICH was about the history of C&A department stores in Germany, which we tried to show using architectural models and photographs from our archive. We have over 100 architectural models in our collection, of which we displayed around 30 pieces. These architectural models date from the 1970s to the late 1990s and reflect the rapid development of department store architecture during this period. However, the exhibition also focuses on the architectural model as such, both as a working tool and as an artifact. Historical photographs from our archives, combined with contemporary photographs by Hans Georg Esch, bring a further perspective to the exhibition's examination of architecture.

I myself not only learned a lot about the C&A company and the subject of department stores, but also in general about the history of architecture and the context of society as a whole, because the department store is always closely linked to economic and social issues. I met many interesting people, both as partners and visitors to the exhibition, and had many stimulating conversations that went beyond the exhibition itself.

Creating a Future Vision
The annual motto is reflected in the fact that architecture and, in particular, architectural models always represent a design for the future. The department store building type in particular must always address questions about the future. The model is designed to make a construction decision about how a building will be constructed and also to shape a city center in the long term. On the other hand, the history of department stores also allows us to reflect on their future. 

An extensive trilingual publication has been produced to accompany the exhibition. Contributions from experts shed light on the development of the buildings from different perspectives and on their significance in the history of architecture, while also taking a look at the present. The renowned architectural photographer HGEsch is responsible for the photographs of the models and some C&A stores that have been published.