Forgotten rules, distorted ideas. The remaining legacy of the innovative late 1920s  and early 1930s

Małgorzata Bartnicka

doi:10.5277/arc130104

Abstract

At the end of the 19th century it was noticed that one’s work efficiency highly depends on the life conditions, psychological well being and general health. One of the crucial factors contributing to the well being are the immediate living conditions. At the time, intense and growing building development motivated by the increasing infl ux of population into towns and cities, relied on quick and cost effective solutions. These new flats and buildings were to be ‘health-conscious’ – providing a lot of light, air and sun. At the same time, new structural solutions and technologies, as well as new materials, were being developed. All these latest solutions were shown in building exhibitions and trade fairs. There were many experimental housing developments designed and presented at various trade fairs. Later on, flats from such new developments were sold and let. Most famous are those designed and built by Werkbund: Weissenhof Estate (1927, Stuttgart), New House – Nový Dům (1928, Brno), WUWA (1929, Wrocław), WOBA – Eglisée (1930, Basel), Neubühl (1931, Zurich), Werkbundsiedlung (1932, Vienna) and Baba (1932, Prague). Many of the new solutions and innovative ideas used in these developments have been later used on a bigger scale in public housing estates developments; many times these ideas have been misunderstood, distorted or mis-applied. Currently, new building regulations show almost complete disregard of these initial ideas and rules. The idea of the provision of accurate sunlight conditions in a flat, is the one that seems to be most disregarded and even endangered in the current building regulations and procedures.