Reason for and aim of the competition/competition task:
A concentrated location for all employees is currently being created for the main customs office in Giessen at the site of the former Bergkaserne (An der Kaserne 10-16 in 35394 Giessen). The construction project includes the demolition of existing buildings, the renovation and conversion of an existing building, new buildings and the redesign of the outdoor facilities. The handover to customs is scheduled for spring 2029.
The art should serve to create identity and contribute to the artistic enhancement of the location. Artistic interventions that do justice to the location and the task are desired. In addition, artistic positions are sought that reflect contemporary art in the Federal Republic of Germany. An examination of the work and self-image of the customs administration is desired.
Wall and ceiling designs in particular are possible as artistic contributions. Light art and acoustic works (sound installations), works with odors, video works and works with water as a medium are excluded. Artworks with a high degree of mechanization, such as interactive monitors or similar, are not desired. The artwork should cause the lowest possible follow-up costs. The use and functionality of the premises (traffic and escape routes) must be maintained. The accident safety of the planned installations must be guaranteed.
Competition procedure:
The competition will be held as an anonymous, non-open, single-phase art competition with up to seven artists or artist groups. The participants for the designated area of work will be selected via a preliminary, Germany-wide open application process.
Eligibility to participate: Professional artists/artist groups (Germany-wide).
Realization sum: € 245,000 gross
The competition is being held in accordance with the guidelines for planning competitions (RPW 2013) and follows the Binding Guidelines for Art in Architecture, A3.7#2 (BWSB, 2024).
Application deadline: January 22, 2026, 4:00 pm
Selection committee expected February 25, 2026
Jury expected week 48, 2026
Application deadline: January 22, 2026