‘Stahlzeit’ Entrance Hall - 1913

Posted on February 1, 2009

In Berlin from about 1910 onwards, there was a distinct move in the style of building, away from the heavier ‘Wilheminische‘ style that had dominated for the previous 25 years. This epoch, known in Germany by some students of architecture as ‘Die Stahlzeit‘ was only a short overture, grinding to a halt around 1916 when the hardships of the First World War stopped all new building. It was however, the herald of the ‘Neue Sachlichkeit‘ (New Objectivity or New Sobriety styles) that developed into the post-war period.

I’m not sure when I first became attracted to ‘Stahlzeit‘ buildings. I originally found the Art Deco style more interesting, perhaps because of it’s dominance and I still am a great fan. But I slowly became aware that I actually preferred its predecessor, with it’s more sophisticated styling, as well as its use of modern materials.

Recently and just by chance, I discovered this apartment house, built 1913. It has a very stylish entrance hall.  Coloured concrete wall decoration gives the hallway a welcoming feel and I have to say, I find it’s congeniality very attractive.

3x Eingangshalle 1913

It is quite easy to miss the wonderful coloured concrete in the dark entrance

3x Eingangshalle 1913 - Fleur de lys

The side panels are decorated with a Fleur de Lys pattern and the frieze below is of a typical ‘Stahlzeit‘ design.

3x Eingangshalle 1913

It is a pity that the hallway isn’t better lit and can’t be seen so well. But perhaps that’s the reason, the decoration has survived?

Bannister

The nicely styled bannister has not been very sympathetically renovated

If you are interested in ‘Stahlzeit’ buildings, you might perhaps want to look here!

» Filed Under Berlin

Comments

One Response to “‘Stahlzeit’ Entrance Hall - 1913”

  1. Peter (Blackpool) on February 10th, 2009 10:44

    I always enjoy your Berlin architectural highlights and request that you feature more delights.
    Perhaps my favourite building on the planet is Erich Mendelsohn’s phallic Einsteinturm in Potsdam and I hope you could include it on a future blog.
    http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Einsteinturm_7443.jpg
    Erich Mendelsohn’s creations include the fabulous De La Warr Pavillion in Bexhill, Sussex.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_Mendelsohn

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