dieDASdocs: Monumental Affairs_Living with Contested Spaces is the first publication issued by the dieDAS—Design Akademie Saaleck. This inaugural volume of a new series presents the results of the 2023 dieDAS fellowship cycle under the artistic direction of acclaimed American architect Germane Barnes, as well as the subsequent dieDAS walk + talk summit, which together delved deep into the complex history of monuments and their entwinement with urgent global issues such as racism, nationalism, social inequity, and climate injustice. In addition, the publication tells the story of dieDAS—Design Akademie Saaleck to date through essays, interviews and statements that outline the vision and innovative spirit of the academy and introduces the many designers, architects, critics, activists and others who have played and continue to play a role in its development.

DIEDAS—DESIGN AKADEMIE SAALECK was founded in 2019 in the former home of National Socialist ideologue and architect Paul Schultze-Naumburg. It aims to transform and reclaim the historically charged “uncomfortable monument” into a site for forward-facing and socially conscious discourse and creative development. Acquired by the Marzona Foundation in 2018, the property is currently being restored according to a master plan by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup.