The Concept of Glass Architecture in Bruno Taut s Thought

OpenAlex · English

This paper aims to clarify Bruno Taut's concept of 'glass architecture' by means of studying the possible sources that laid behind his enthusiasm for glass in architecture. To begin with, in chapter II, we consider Paul Scheerbart and his influence on Taut's ideas since he was regarded the most influential figure on Bruno Taut. Following that, in chapter III, the possible sources for Taut's interest in glass architecture has been discussed via the following sub-chapters as 'Light Effects of Glass' (chapter III.1), and 'The Symbolic Meaning of Glass: Crystal' (chapter III.2). Since the meaning of Taut's fantastic designs of the time can't be perceived properly without taking into consideration the state of mind that emerges from the general conditions of Germany during the years before and after the WWI, great emphasis is placed on the symbolic meaning of crystal and crystalline forms by means of studying in two sections titled as 'Crystal as the Symbol of New Culture' (Chapter III.2.1), and 'The Gothic Cathedrals and Crystalline Forms' (Chapter III.2.2). During these chapters, we'll attempt to trace Taut's ideas on glass architecture by taking into consideration his well known 'Glass House,' built in 1914, as the example of architectural practice; and his book 'Alpine Architecture,' published in 1919, as the most expressional theoretical work on glass architecture.