Studying Modernism and Peter Behrens AEG Turbine Factory

How did Peter Behrens create a revolutionary design for the AEG turbine factory and how did it inspire a new generation of architecture?

Archie Faulkner Architectural Humanities: AD473 Tutor: Katy Beinart

Introduction This essay questions how Peter Behrens unique approach to design being ‘able to give form and meaning to the factory in way that eluded the engineers.’ 1to produce ‘a symbol of modernism’2. It argues how exactly the factory inspired future modernist architects and whether it lives up to its goal of adaptability and ‘form follows function’.3 It also begins to draw on what inspired the ‘temple’4 like structure of the design, questioning if vernacular architecture is actually the key to design success. I will observe how, often ignored by western culture, the most simple and vernacular design may have held the key, to the design of the building and to what is now known as modern architecture. With the goals of adaptability being vital to both this building specifically and modernism in general. This essay observes how there are ‘blurred edges between the traditional and modern technical aspects of building design’5 and argues how this may have influenced the AEG turbine factory and inadvertently inspired modernist architecture of the time.

The aim of this essay is to debate if and why the turbine factory is considered ‘a turning point in architectural history’6. Whilst questioning why the design was deemed so successful and how this was achieved.

To do this I will use a combination of academic papers as well as websites and first hand letters from Behrens himself. By drawing on these sources I hope to create a deeper understanding of not just Behrens but other modernist architects and the motives and inspirations rooted deep within the movement. Observing how the modernist era influenced the design of the factory while simultaneously observing how the factory influenced modernism itself, will therefore allow me to understand where the building roots itself into the context of such movements. By extending my research and sources outside of modernism observing classicism and other known buildings and era’s, I will be able to 1

Dr. Elizabeth Merrill."Peter Behrens, Turbine Factory” (Article), (Khan Academy 2021) Merrill."Peter Behrens, Turbine Factory” 3 A term originally coined by Frank Lloyd Wright depicting the goal set out by modernist architects 4 Merrill."Peter Behrens, Turbine Factory” 5 E. Baldwin Gray, Peter Behrens and the Emergence of Modernism: Innovation and Tradition in his Artist's House and AEG Turbine Hall, 2017 2

6

"AEG Turbine Factory" (website),

2021, Visitberlin.De

further understand how the factory is able to achieve it’s revolutionary status and as such be able to begin to understand Behrens brilliance.

It is important to consider that Peter Behrens impact on modernism may have evolved from more than just his designs for the AEG turbine factory and actually come from the man himself. With students and assistants including the likes of Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier who would then go on to arguably pioneer modernism.

Having said this, the factory is certainly a principal example of his fundamental modernist teachings and values and allows you a tangible understanding of these teachings in practice.

Understanding how exactly Behrens grew to create such a revolutionary design is essential to configuring how it may have inspired modernism. One could even argue that Behrens genius was only recognised due to the nature of society at the time. Being a rich, successful white male would have allowed him to put himself on a pedestal, further amplifying his voice. The factory’s undeniable temple-like appearance leaves us questioning if some ideas are borrowed without credit due to ‘the contemporaneous cultural pressure to present any design associated with industry as thoroughly ‘new’7. ‘ It is clear therefore that Behrens felt the need to claim all of his design ideas as new and original, regardless of if they were or not.

( Self drawn figure comparing the AEG turbine factory (right) to a Greco Roman temple (left). )

Observing figure 1 the factories design clearly resembles a Greco-Roman temple. With the temples pediment being used by Greco Roman architects to act as a symbol using detailed drawings and art to describe the purpose and context behind the building. Behrens factory mirrors this with the AEG branding being engraved in the same area. Not only is the principles behind such features similar but the structure itself has some fairly close similarities too. With columns being used to create a vast contrast between the elongated horizontal lines. Whether this was deliberate or not, the unquestionable influence of classicism in the factory’s design is something that greatly improved the design of the 7

Mamun Rashid and Rahat Dilshad, "Modernity In Tradition: Reflections On Building Design And Technology In The Asian Vernacular" 2015

factory, partly allowing it to be viewed as revolutionary. Both Behrens and Walther Rathenau (AEG’s managing director at the time) ‘shared an ‘apparently kindred liking for classicism’8.’ It is said that Behrens ‘wanted to transform Schinkelesque classicism into ‘ a new architectural language’.9 This insight into some of the thought process and inspiration behind his design begins to explain why it may have been so successful. It is here we begin to observe the spark of brilliance that lead Behrens into pioneering a new wave of design.

This new generation of architecture that Behrens helped to create had motives outside of it’s design features entirely. Whether these were deliberate or not these motives existed and heavily influenced the buildings ability to inspire. Behren’s social status as previously stated is certainly of significance as it also determined the sort of people he worked for and with. ‘Modern Architecture's ability “to contain ideas, inculcate values, and serve as tangible expressions of systems of thought” caught the attention of many politicians, who embraced architecture as a tool to promote their ideas.’10 Modernisms ties to politics cannot go unnoticed when observing the impact of Behrens factory in modernist history. Although modernist design seemed reserved to the rich and social elite, modernism itself began to grapple with the idea of social class and arguably began to eliminate the partitions of class.

Behrens did not revolutionise modernism alone and observing other pioneers allows us to begin to understand the deep rooted values held within modernism and how Behrens was able to mirror these values with the factory, thus creating something revolutionary that would inspire. ‘The title of Loos’ canonical work, “Ornament and Crime,” expresses the Modern architect’s frustration with the meaningless bells, whistles, flourishes, and accents that long decorated the homes of the cultural élite.’11The rejection of the traditional ornamentation meant that the walls of social class could be, perhaps inadvertently, broken down. By removing ornamentation it began to strip away the symbols of class created by such. Thus reducing design to its simplest function, modernism begins to take away social boundaries which were not created by architecture, but that architecture mirrored from society at the time. It’s said that ‘Modern architects shared a “strong sense of social responsibility in that architecture should raise the living conditions of the masses.’12 This can be seen in Behrens design for the factory. The vast open space, bright lighting and improved ventilation was used to create a better quality of life for the working class factory workers that inhabited it daily. It is here that the classicist influence begins to be better understood.

8

Elizabeth Baldwin Gray “Peter Behrens and the Emergence of Modernism: Innovation and Tradition in His Artist's House and AEG Turbine Hall.” 2017

9

Baldwin Gray “Peter Behrens and the Emergence of Modernism: Innovation and Tradition in His Artist's House and AEG Turbine Hall.”

10 Robert Levine, Modern Architecture & Ideology: Modernism as a Political Tool in Sweden and the Soviet Union," 2018 11 Levine, Modern Architecture & Ideology: Modernism as a Political Tool in Sweden and the Soviet Union," 12 Levine, Modern Architecture & Ideology: Modernism as a Political Tool in Sweden and the Soviet Union,"

’ Aristotle uses the Greek word for "equal" (isos) but gives it a meaning that is more akin to "fairness." Equality is a state to be striven for’ 13 Classicism and its architecture was heavily influenced by thinkers such as Aristotle. The influence of such a movement on Behrens factory begins to make a lot of sense when considering his shared philosophies. Behrens previously noted fondness of classism likely comes from such philosophies. It is not the philosophies alone however that fuelled such liking. The ideologies behind the Greeks great thinkers and their views on creating new societies and studying new technologies and ideas such as in mathematics show similarities to the industrial revolution at the time. Behrens ability to capitalise on these new technologies and ideas would allow him to also be considered a great thinker and designer. A combination of these shared philosophies and new technologies (which will be further articulated), are arguably some of the main reasons that the design for the AEG Turbine Factory was regarded as something so revolutionary.

The influence of classicism was arguably resurged by modernist architects such as Behrens in a more principle but uncredited way and alongside new technologies and ideas lead to what is now regarded as modern architecture. It is in this, that Behrens ability to inspire was so significant.

‘In Classical Greek times, one reads there, 'no one artist presumed to be original in the sense that a modern critic expects an artist to be original. It was a question of adding modestly to something which was already very good.' 14This is almost ironic given Behrens necessity to claim such ideas as new or his own and this is where the idea of modernism itself, begins to be called into question. With Behrens design for the factory being ‘ a symbol of modernism’15 it seems fairly obvious that it heavily inspired the modernist era. The way it did this however was not because his ideas were fundamentally new. Understanding and being aware of this is important as denoting revolutionary ideas to one person or movement is naïve at the least. It is here I refer back to Behrens privileged background.

What made the design of the factory so successful and inspirational is in part Behrens status as an architect. His corporate backing from AEG and international links due to such wealth and status allowed his ideas to be heard above others. Having said this credit is still rightfully due, although many of the ideas of the factory are arguably borrowed, there are several elements of that are true and original to Behrens design.

His modernist goal to have form follow function with the factory would be achieved in a combination of new technology and previous ideas. This is one of the things that made this design revolutionary. It was not necessarily the ideas and principles of the design alone, it was the implementation of such new technology with these ideas and principles, that created something unique and fresh. With the factory being described as ‘a new classicism that expressed the industrial advances that were reshaping contemporary life.’16 it can be determined that Behrens was highly successful in creating what is perhaps a new form of classicism, this new form would arguably then take on the form of what was later labelled as modernism. The classicist ideas that inspired him were developed into the modern era 13

"Equality - Overview - Ancient Views Of Equality" (website) Hugh Plommer, "Classical Architecture - Bruce Allsopp: A History Of Classical Architecture”, 1967 15 Merrill."Peter Behrens, Turbine Factory” 16 Merrill."Peter Behrens, Turbine Factory” 14

through the advancement of modern technology. By combining such a powerful architectural movement and bringing it forward into the future, is where a lot of the success from this building came from. These new technologies had simply not yet been applied in such a way, or at least not yet by an architect, that allowed this to be recognised. Behrens ability to form a series of so many fundamental architectural ideas and bring them into the new area of industry is what allowed him to create something “new“ that had the potential to develop into an entirely new movement itself.

Behrens regarded himself as a forward thinking, revolutionary architect. Because of this he was able to project this image upon others and place himself in the midst of the new modern designers of the world. This can be seen in a series of letters Behrens sent to the English writer Philip Morton Shand who published many renowned architectural articles.’ I am of the opinion that in connection with this building in which I realised new principles in many respects, you will be able to write something regarding your impression of the modern movement.’17 With Behrens being able to use his status and wealth to make connections he was able to get his work published. With no disregard to the fact that the design was revolutionary and heavily inspired modernist architects around the world, Behrens position of social status significantly catapulted him as a far-reaching architect of the time. There are many who were not so lucky such as Lilly Reich who’s significant impact on modernism was hidden in the shadow of her husband Ludwig Mies Van Der-Rohe until after her death. While it is fair to credit Behrens and other modernist revolutionaries it is not without considering their significant advantages. The unrecognised forced to work in the shadows were just as forward thinking and revolutionary and just because their work was not renowned at the time it’s impact does not lose its importance.

Conclusion In conclusion it is fair to observe that the impact of the AEG turbine factory on modernism was incredibly substantial. Peter Behrens alongside many others lay out the foundations for what would become modernism in both principle and application. It was the combination of Behrens ability to design and apply this to new technologies (with credit to the talented engineers he worked with) that can be attributed to his success . The AEG Turbine factory is a prime example of the modernist principles of improving the quality of life, of man as a whole. Optimistically it is this significant improvement and development of mankind that inspired so many to follow in Behrens footsteps and develop modernism, however underlying, equally important motives, such as wealth and social status certainly contribute.

Behrens design was undoubtedly revolutionary thanks to it’s often uncredited values and inspirations but also because of the man himself. He was able to tie so many ideas, technologies and inspirations together and I believe this is where the success of his design lay overall allowing him to create a revolutionary design that inspired a new generation of architecture.

17

Alan Windsor “Letters from Peter Behrens to P. Morton Shand, 1932-1938” 1994

Bibliography "✅ AEG Turbine Factory - Data, Photos & Plans - Wikiarquitectura". 2021. Wikiarquitectura.

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"AEG Turbine Factory". 2021. Visitberlin.De. Accessed February 7. https://www.visitberlin.de/en/aeg-turbine-factory

"Equality - Overview - Ancient Views Of Equality". . Science.Jrank.Org. https://science.jrank.org/pages/9186/Equality-Overview-Ancient-Views-Equality.html.

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Gray, Elizabeth Baldwin. “Peter Behrens and the Emergence of Modernism: Innovation and Tradition in His Artist's House and AEG Turbine Hall.” Courtauld Essay 2, 2017.

Jones, Peter. 1999. "BUILDING THE EMPIRE OF THE GAZE: The Modern Movement And The Surveillance Society". Architectural Theory Review 4 (2): 1-14. doi:10.1080/13264829909478367 Levine, Robert "Modern Architecture & Ideology: Modernism as a Political Tool in Sweden and the Soviet Union," ,2018, Momentum: Vol. 5 : Iss. 1 , Article 6.

M. Merrill, Dr. Elizabeth. 2021. "Peter Behrens, Turbine Factory (Article) | Khan Academy". Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art1010/architecture-design/international-style/a/peter-behrens-turbine-factory..

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Rashid, Mamun, and Dilshad Rahat Ara. 2015. "Modernity In Tradition: Reflections On Building Design And Technology In The Asian Vernacular". Frontiers Of Architectural Research 4 (1): 46-55. doi:10.1016/j.foar.2014.11.001.

Stott, Rory. 2020. "Spotlight: Peter Behrens". Archdaily. https://www.archdaily.com/619290/spotlight-peter-behrens.

Windsor, Alan “Letters from Peter Behrens to P. Morton Shand, 1932-1938” article from the Architectural History Journal, 1994.

List of Illustrations Figure 1- Self drawn figure depicting a Greco Roman temple and Peter Behrens AEG turbine factory. Drawn digitally using Adobe Photoshop.

Plagiarism pledge I hereby declare that, I have consulted, and understand, the information provided in the University of Brighton's Plagiarism Awareness Pack and the information on academic standards and conventions for referencing given in the module directive.

I know that plagiarism means passing off someone else's writings or ideas as if they were my own, whether deliberately or inadvertently. I understand that doing so constitutes academic misconduct and may lead to exclusion from the University.

I have therefore taken every care in the work submitted here to accurately reference all writings and ideas that are not my own, whether from printed, online, or other sources.

Archie Faulkner, 19, March 2021