| Title |
A Study on Walter Gropius' Architectural Concept of Block Unit Housing |
| Authors |
Kim Kyoung-Yon ; Kim Hyung-Woo |
| Keywords |
Walter Gropius ; Modernity ; Teamwork ; Block Unit ; Prefabrication ; Standardization |
| Abstract |
This study is conducted to investigate the early architectural concept of block unit housing based on Walter Gropius' social view and experimental spirit, which greatly affected the housing condition of low-income urban dwellers during the post- World War I. By analyzing 8 cases of block unit housing from Walter Gropius‘ architectural point of view, the structure is classified largely into 3 types: Basic type, Overlapping type, and Extension type. This classification will lead to the mass production of architectural materials as well as the rationalization of the dry construction method, and it eventually lead to an improved living condition and cost savings. The results of the analysis can be summarized as follows: 1) In response to a shortage of affordable housing for low-income urban dwellers after World War I, the standardization of housing types was introduced, and a prefabricated method was developed in order to mass-produce houses at low cost; 2) Also, a teamwork method, which combines the art work of architect and the financial support of enterprises, was introduced; 3) Even though the structure of block unit housing was classified into the 3 types, various styles were explored to avoid uniformity; and 4) In the block unit housing, standardization does not simply imply the mass production of standardized products, but it also means the possibility of various transformation. Since the 1990s, experiments with the housing units of LV home, Micro Compact Home, and Spacebox could develop various styles of housing units with the help of advanced architectural technology and production methods. However, more studies should be conducted on Gropius' block unit housing and architectural practice to establish a foundation for various styles of block unit housing. |