This is a small token towards a man who was not only a mentor and a professor but a care-figure and role model to many as well. He lived his life to the fullest, enriching and inspiring those who had the pleasure of being in his presence. He left our world suddenly and way too soon. 

This exhibition commemorated his time and impact on everyone, both professionally and personally,  in the German University in Cairo. The exhibition was curated and designed by the Bureau Gladys team supported by a team of Holger’s devoted students and alumni who were the reason this exhibition came to life. Holger used the butterfly symbol to sign his name and personally identified with it. As such, the theme of the exhibition revolved around the butterfly to mimic Holger’s soul and presence.

The exhibition opened with a tribute video, a poem by Henry Scott Holland, a wall of memories filled with photos of him and his students. The exhibition also highlighted his love of reading and his love of maps with a display of some of the books and maps in his library along with displaying his publications and contributions. 

His major contribution to the students of the GUC was the topics of studios he subjected them to. His focus was dedicated to the 5th year Major Urban Design Studies, a pre-master program composed of intense design instruction and extensive applied research on the urban environment. His aim was to break open black and white thinking, to consider and re-consider outdated hegemonies, and to carefully position and re-position the global South at eye-level on the agenda of critical reflection and space-making. We honored that by including academic selection for each of the urban studios he delivered to remind the future generations to question normative realities and to always go beyond. 

The exhibition presented a safe space for his family, friends, colleagues, and students to share stories, quotes and inspirations from and about him, and celebrate his life, and for others to learn more about this great man.