| Title |
Architectural Characteristics of Early Sketches by Hans Scharoun (1919-23) |
| Keywords |
Hans Scharoun ; Utopian Sketches ; Expressionist Architecture ; Organic Architecture |
| Abstract |
The purpose of this study is to analyze architectural characteristics of early sketches by German architect Hans Scharoun (1893-1972). Scharoun is well known for his utopian watercolor sketches, and is often regarded as an Expressionist architect due to fantastic visual characteristics of the sketches he produced. His fantastic sketches, however, show a number of architectural characteristics which are implications for real construction in future. His sketch works were produced immediately after the first World War and in the midst of the second World War, and they differ in their artistic characteristics and social implications. At the time of economic depression and political turmoil, many young artists easily fell in love with utopian dreams. After the defeats of the wars, it is not unusual that introspection swept German society. Nonetheless, a careful understanding of Scharoun's sketches reveal that his sketch works reflect turbulent atmosphere of social and political situation of the time as well as ardent enthusiasm for future architecture. Scharoun's pen/ink sketches, pastel sketches as well as watercolors show gradual development from vision to reality. In this paper, works from the post World War I period were taken into consideration. |