#Administration building #Frankfurt (Main) #Germany #1928
Norbert-Wollheim-Platz 1
60323
Frankfurt (Main),
Germany
Public transport: Uni Campus Westend / Bremer Straße
Access: Public building, free entry during working hours
Today's use: University
Description
A vast building intended to express the power and ambition of the leading chemical companies was commissioned following a design competition won by Hans Poelzig. Although not especially modern in style, the design incorporates elements of a restrained, grid-based Neoclassicism. The regimented, grid-like structure is characteristic of Poelzig’s architectural language.
The building’s monumentality is further emphasised by six projecting structures, combining features of avant-corps and tower-like forms. This construction method is known in German as a Kamm or Finger (comb/finger), creating a series of small internal courtyards. At the centre, these frame the main entrance, designed as a severe and formal portico, which leads directly into the interior staircase.
On the northern side, the entrance takes the form of a circular structure that is much more clearly aligned with modernist principles. Large expanses of glass and the absence of ornamentation are the most striking indicators of this shift. The slightly curved main building itself is constructed with a steel frame infilled with brick and clad in travertine.
Inside, the use of high-quality, expensive materials was intended to reflect the prestige and status of the corporations it housed.
Not far from the main complex stands to the north the so-called Casino, which originally served as both a staff canteen and a social venue for senior management. During its period of military use, it functioned as an officers’ mess, and today it once again operates as a catering and hospitality venue.
The building is often described as having nine storeys. However, a closer inspection suggests otherwise: on the southern side, eight upper floors can be counted, while on the northern side there are seven. It is therefore likely that the basement level has been included in the total count without being explicitly mentioned.
If you know, how to say comb or finger structure in English, please let us know.
Description
A vast building intended to express the power and ambition of the leading chemical companies was commissioned following a design competition won by Hans Poelzig. Although not especially modern in style, the design incorporates elements of a restrained, grid-based Neoclassicism. The regimented, grid-like structure is characteristic of Poelzig’s architectural language.
The building’s monumentality is further emphasised by six projecting structures, combining features of avant-corps and tower-like forms. This construction method is known in German as a Kamm or Finger (comb/finger), creating a series of small internal courtyards. At the centre, these frame the main entrance, designed as a severe and formal portico, which leads directly into the interior staircase.
On the northern side, the entrance takes the form of a circular structure that is much more clearly aligned with modernist principles. Large expanses of glass and the absence of ornamentation are the most striking indicators of this shift. The slightly curved main building itself is constructed with a steel frame infilled with brick and clad in travertine.
Inside, the use of high-quality, expensive materials was intended to reflect the prestige and status of the corporations it housed.
Not far from the main complex stands to the north the so-called Casino, which originally served as both a staff canteen and a social venue for senior management. During its period of military use, it functioned as an officers’ mess, and today it once again operates as a catering and hospitality venue.
The building is often described as having nine storeys. However, a closer inspection suggests otherwise: on the southern side, eight upper floors can be counted, while on the northern side there are seven. It is therefore likely that the basement level has been included in the total count without being explicitly mentioned.
If you know, how to say comb or finger structure in English, please let us know.
History
The building was constructed between 1928 and 1931, following the establishment of the Interessengemeinschaft Farben (I.G.) in 1925. From the outset, there was a desire for a large-scale structure, though it was required to incorporate only selected elements of the architectural movement known as New Objectivity architecture, Neues Bauen in German.
The Casino on the northern end like the surrounding gardens and stairways were built and completed in 1931.
The site had previously been used for a municipal asylum (Städtische Irrenanstalt).
The building survived the Second World War without sustaining any damage. After the war, it remained under the ownership of the United States until 1995, during which time it served as their headquarters.
Following the withdrawal of American troops from Germany, the building was converted for use by Goethe University Frankfurt, which has occupied it since 2001.
History
The building was constructed between 1928 and 1931, following the establishment of the Interessengemeinschaft Farben (I.G.) in 1925. From the outset, there was a desire for a large-scale structure, though it was required to incorporate only selected elements of the architectural movement known as New Objectivity architecture, Neues Bauen in German.
The Casino on the northern end like the surrounding gardens and stairways were built and completed in 1931.
The site had previously been used for a municipal asylum (Städtische Irrenanstalt).
The building survived the Second World War without sustaining any damage. After the war, it remained under the ownership of the United States until 1995, during which time it served as their headquarters.
Following the withdrawal of American troops from Germany, the building was converted for use by Goethe University Frankfurt, which has occupied it since 2001.
Sources
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