"A LOOK BACK INTO THE FUTURE"
MODERN ARCHITECTURE IN BRANDENBURG

“Light, Air, and Sunshine For All“. This motto was one of the maxims of modernist architecture. And this shaped more than just the metropolis of Berlin. Unknown to many today: Even in Brandenburg numerous architects of the Weimar Republic left a legacy of modernist architecture: Martin Gropius, Hermann Muthesius, Erich Mendelsohn, Bruno and Max Taut, Bernhard Sehring, Walter Gropius, Adolf Meyer, Hannes Meyer, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Hans Scharoun, just to name a few. In 2011 Kulturland Brandenburg is in search of traces of this architectural heritage. In this year‘s theme of “Light | Play | House – modernism in film. art. architectural culture.“, in addition to the medium of film, architectural culture, especially modernist architecture, constitutes a further focal point at the centre of numerous exhibitions and events. The state of Brandenburg between the two world wars seemed almost predestined for the building boom occurring today. It was in the vicinity of Berlin and offered plenty of open space.

The architects reacted with different solutions to the changing needs of an era that brought with it new approaches, a versatile design, and the use of different and inexpensive building materials. Glass, steel, wood, and even copper, as in the model housing settlement in Eberwalde, were used to create livable residences. New settlements with public and social infrastructure such as modern facilities for education, health, and recreation were created in many places, like the “Wohlfahrtsforum“ [i. e. Social Services Forum] in Brandenburg an der Havel or the Paulinenhof settlement in Frankfurt (Oder). Progressive approaches to upbringing and education were reflected in other forms and demands. The changing times also manifested themselves in Brandenburg in residential construction, where new styles were developed: villas, single family homes, and summer homes heralding new lifestyles.

Brandenburg possesses numerous architectural monuments. At the same time, its buildings from the Weimar Republic era, but also those from the period of postwar modernism, signify a move into a new age. During this year‘s Kulturland Brandenburg celebration, some events and exhibitions are recording the facets of progress, for example in the show “Dawn of Modernism – Architecture in Brandenburg 1919 to 1933“ at the “Haus der Brandenburgisch-Preußischen Geschichte“ [i. e. Institute for Brandenburg-Prussian History] in Potsdam or in the exhibit “Mit uns zieht die Neue Zeit“ at the Stadtmuseum [i. e. “The Future Starts With Us“ at the Cottbus City Museum]. Come along with us to the past in search of traces of the future.

You can find the entire program at www.kulturland-brandenburg.de



Brigitte Faber-Schmidt
Chairwoman and Managing Director of Kulturland Brandenburg e. V.