Learning from the thoughts and dreams of the younger generation

Since 1988, the Ernst May Prize has been awarded by the Nassauische Heimstätte / Wohnstadt group of companies to students of the TU Darmstadt in the field of architecture - and has become a vital institution. The task of the prize is well-defined. It is to advance the current, political debate with new tasks  in the spirit of  socially-oriented residential construction, housing development and urban development and to stimulate the discussion between the company group and TU Darmstadt. A first prize of 2,500 euros or two first prizes of 1,500 euros each are awarded. In addition, the winners can assist in a research and development project of the consortium.

Ernst May (1886 - 1970) was an architect and honorary professor of the TU Darmstadt. From  1925 to 1930, he created in the "New Frankfurt" project, sophisticated, healthy and economical living space, both architecturally and in terms of urban development, as the Commissioner of Housing Development under the mayor of Frankfurt at that time, Ludwig Landmann. The adherents of the Bauhaus style and their supporters did not work for the increase of living space alone, but also looked for a concept of urban development for industrial mass society.