| Title |
A Study on the Block Unit Concept and Housing of Walter Gropius |
| Authors |
Kim Kyoung-Yon ; Kim Hyung-Woo |
| Keywords |
Walter Gropius ; CIAM ; Block Unit ; Prefabrication ; Standardization ; Housing |
| Abstract |
In this study, the role of Walter Gropius and the concept of ‘block unit’ are investigated by reviewing 6 cases, which are obtained from a literature review and an onsite survey of housing constructed during the advent and development of modern housing. The structures of the 'block unit' housing of Walter Gropius can be classified largely into 3 types: Basic type, Reiterate type, and Extension type. These structures were found to be presented as the combined styles , such as the low-rise reiterate housing, the mid-to-high rise flat-type housing, and the expansion style housing. The cases of block unit housing were analyzed, and the results are summarized as follows: 1) In response to the desperate need for low-income housing after World war, a method of mass producing the housing units at low cost was invented by standardizing housing types. 2) Even if the structures of ‘block unit’ housing can be classified into the above 3 types, variations of the types were explored to avoid uniformity. 3) In the case of the low-rise reiterate type housing, the advantages of the single detached housing and the complex housing as well as those of the urban style and the rural style were pursued. In the case of the mid-to-high rise flat-type housing, which repeats the basic block unit, the demand for the mass-produced housing at the time was apparent. Due to his design of the flat-type high-rise housing, Walter Gropius has been criticized as a culprit architect who created an urban space which has non-characteristic appearances and creates anonymous and dehumanizing atmosphere. However, his design intent should be re-evaluated in the context of housing problems of the time. |