Hans Scharoun German architect. Date of Birth: 20.09.1893 Country: Germany

1. Biography of Hans Scharoun
2. Early Career and Influence
3. Unique Architectural Style
4. Nazi Era and Post-War Period
5. Later Career and Legacy

Biography of Hans Scharoun

Hans Scharoun was a German architect and one of the leading representatives of organic architecture. Born in 1893, he developed an interest in architecture at a young age and created his first projects when he was just 16 years old. In 1912-1914, Scharoun studied architecture at the Royal Technical School in Berlin, but never completed his degree.

Early Career and Influence

After completing his studies, Scharoun worked as an independent architect in Breslau and Insterburg, where he realized several projects and organized art exhibitions. In 1919, he joined the expressionist architectural group "Glass Chain" under the leadership of Bruno Taut. In 1926, he became a member of the architectural association "The Ring". Scharoun's early works included a residential house in Waisenhof, Stuttgart, and sketches for the Siemensstadt settlement project in Berlin.

Unique Architectural Style

Scharoun's architectural approach was based on the theory of Hugo Hering, which advocated for the liberation from rationalism and predefined forms and schemes in order to create buildings with a unique functional character. He believed that the design of social living spaces played a central role in architecture.

Nazi Era and Post-War Period

Despite the emigration of many of his colleagues, Scharoun remained in Germany after the Nazis came to power. During this time, he built several private residential houses, including the "Schminke House" in Lobau. Although his works outwardly complied with the political requirements of the time, the interior planning remained typical of Scharoun.

During World War II, Scharoun participated in the reconstruction efforts to repair damage caused by air raids. He secretly documented his architectural ideas and views through numerous watercolor drawings, preparing himself for a new phase in his career after the end of the Nazi regime.

Later Career and Legacy

After the war, Scharoun served as an advisor on urban planning and head of the Masters Department for Construction and Housing at the Allied administration. He presented his ideas for the reconstruction of Berlin at the exhibition "Berlin Designs - First Report" but faced challenges due to the impending division of the city.

In the post-war period, Scharoun was able to realize his architectural vision in several buildings, including the Romeo and Julia high-rise residential complex, the Anne Frank School in Lunen, and the renowned Berlin Philharmonic building. The Berlin Philharmonic is considered one of his masterpieces.

Some of Scharoun's most well-known works, such as the German Maritime Museum in Bremerhaven, the City Theater in Wolfsburg, and the State Library in Berlin, were completed after his death. Under the guidance of his partner Edgar Wisniewski, additional buildings were added to the Berlin Philharmonic complex, including the Chamber Music Hall, the State Institute for Music Research, and the Museum of Musical Instruments.

The golden color of the Philharmonic's facade, initially conceived by Scharoun, was achieved in the 1980s through the use of aluminum panels painted in gold. Initially, due to cost considerations, the facade was made of white-colored facing concrete with ochre.