Acknowledgments
Firstandforemost,IgivemyspecialthankstomywifeGloriaLlanosforhersupportand continuedpatienceduringthecreationofthisbook,thewritingofwhichhasdivertedmefrom otherimportantprojects.
IwouldalsoliketoexpressmygratitudetoMichaelandEvaBalzfortheirfriendship, whichextendsover30years,andtheirwarmandgeneroushospitalitywhenwelcomingmeto stayintheirhome,inJune2018.IspentthreeveryenjoyabledaysinandaroundtheStetten shells,perusingasmallexhibitionofMichael’sprojectsthathehadpreparedinadvance, discussingtheprojectswithhimindetailandlookingatdrawingsandphotographsthatwere potentiallyavailableforinclusioninthebook.
MythanksalsogoestoMichael’schildren:toMarkusforourCOVID-restrictedonline videomeetings usuallyonFridayeveningsaccompaniedbyacoldbeerorglassofwine whereheguidedmethroughhisfather ’sresponsestomymoredetailedquestionsandrequests formoreinformationonprojects;toAngelikaforhelpingherfatherto findandscannumerous drawingsandphotographsfromhisarchive,whichIhadidenti fiedforinclusioninthebook; andtoJohannesforparticipatinginthegrouponlinevideodiscussionIhadwithallthreeon1 May2020.
IwouldalsoliketothankMichael’sbrotherProf.Dr.phil.Dr.theol.HeinrichBalz,who contributedtothediscussionduringmyinterviewwithMichaelon5June2018andalsoread andcommentedonthedraftmanuscript.
AlthoughthemajorityofillustrationsarefromMichaelBalz’sownarchiveormyown photographs,Iwouldliketothankallwhohavegrantedpermissionsfortheirinclusionas notedinthecaptions AngelikaBalz,EvaBalz,JohannesBalz,MarkusBalz,MichaelBalz, Europa-Park,NaturtheaterGrötzingene.V.,TheaterunterdenKuppeln,WalterandWerner Steck.InparticularIwouldliketomentionPeterKofel,forgrantingpermissionforcontent relatedtoHeinzIslerandProf.JohannesFritzforgrantingpermissionfortheinclusionofhis rendereddrawingofthecompetitionentryfortheHausderGeschichtederBundesrepublik Deutschland(GermanNationalMuseumofContemporaryHistory),Bonn(1985).Also,to TheresaNettekovenforallowingmetoreproduce fi guresfromherMastersthesis,which examinedthestructuralfeasibilityofMichaelBalz’svisionaryarchitecturalurbandesign conceptsandHenningDürrforpermissiontoincludehiscomputerrenderingsofthesame. Lastbutnotleast,IwouldliketothankSpringerNatureforcommissioningthebookand theeditorialteamfortheirassistanceinitsproduction: OliverJackson,Editor(Engineering)Springer
2.4GeborgenesWohnenheuteundmorgen:neueWohnformen:neue Baumethoden(SecureLivingTodayandTomorrow:NewFormsof Housing:NewConstructionMethods)
2.4.1WassindmenschlicheWohnformen?(HowWouldOneDe
2.4.2WasistGeborgenheit?(WhatIsSecurity?)
2.4.3DieAufgabe(TheTask)
2.4.4DieZukunft(TheFuture)
2.4.5EineBauweiseheute(ConstructionToday)
2.4.6DieEntwurfsmethode(DesignMethod)
2.4.7Der
2.4.8DerEingang(TheEntrance)
2.4.9EinekleineLandschaftzumWohnen!(ASmallLandscape forLiving!)
2.4.10DiegeschlosseneRuhezone(TheClosedRestZone)
2.4.11DiepraktischerArbeitsraum(ThePracticalWorkspace)
2.4.12MinimalerMaterialaufwand(MinimalMaterialConsumption)
2.5.1PrivateClient,1968
2.5.2HouseforHeinzandMariaIsler(1972–73)
2.5.4Isler ‘BubbleSystemAG’
3BuiltShells
3.1Inspiration
3.2ZuschauerHalle/Kuppel(Auditorium),TheaterunterdenKuppeln (TheatreundertheDomes),StettenaufdenFildern, NearStuttgart(1976)
3.3Naturtheater,Grötzingen,Aichtal,Germany(1977–78)
3.3.1Form-FindingoftheShell
3.3.2ShellConstruction
3.3.3ArchitecturalandAestheticConsiderations
3.4Ballettsaal(BalletSalon),Stetten(1979)
3.5Musical-Saal(MusicalSalon),Stetten(1988–1989)
3.6Europa-Park,inRust(1992):EntranceCanopies ....................
3.7CarportPrototypeDevelopedwithWilliBösigerSA,Langenthal, Switzerland(1992) 61
3.8Refl ection
4BalzHouse,StettenaufdenFildernLeinfelden-Echterdingen, NearStuttgart(1980) ............................................
4.1Introduction
4.2FirstEncounter
4.3FindingtheForm
4.4Accommodation ............................................
4.5Construction:FormingtheShell
4.6TheInterior
4.7KeepingItWarm:TheThermalSystem
4.8ThermalComfort ...........................................
4.9Durability
4.10LivingintheBalzHouse
5Competitions
5.1Introduction
5.2EvangelicalLutheranChurch,Heilbronn(1967) .....................
5.3HausderGeschichtederBundesrepublikDeutschland (GermanNationalMuseumofContemporaryHistory),Bonn(1985) 108
5.3.1Introduction 108
5.3.2ShellRoofs ......................................... 113
5.3.3InternalPlanning 116
5.3.4Appreciation 116
5.4BadezentrumSindel fingen(ThermalBaths),Böblingen(1983) 121
5.4.1Introduction ......................................... 121
5.4.2ThermalBaths 121
5.4.3ShellRoof 121
5.5GermanPavilion,Expo’2000,Hanover(1997) 121
5.5.1Introduction ......................................... 121
5.5.2ProposedPavilion 121
5.5.3InternalPlanning 125
5.5.4AestheticConsiderations 125
5.6HegauAutoRast:MotorwayServiceArea,NearEngen(1997)
5.6.1Introduction
5.7Epilogue .................................................
6UnrealizedShellProjects .........................................
6.1Introduction
6.2Tropicana,Lucerne(1979)
6.3AtelierandOfficeBuildingforWilliBösigerAGLangenthal, Switzerland(1986) ..........................................
6.4WallwitzhafenDessau:FreizeitPark(LeisurePark)(1992–93)
6.5Thane,NearMumbai,India:ModularDwellingUnits(1994) andCosmoVille,AmenitiesCentre(1995)
6.5.1FlowerHouse,ModularDwelling .........................
6.5.2CosmoVille,Thane,India(1995)
6.6HeliopolisUniversity,ShellofPeace,Cairo,Egypt(2016)
6.7SkateboardingClub(2016)
6.8StreetBar,Stuttgart(2017) ....................................
6.9WhyHaveTheseProjectsNotBeenBuilt?
7UrbanSpaceStructures
7.1Introduction
7.2Project ‘Stuttgart2000’ (1965–1982)
7.3CityscapeVisions ..........................................
7.4BuildingToday
7.5OpportunitiesforaNewConstructionIndustry
7.6SpaceAbovetheLand
7.7HousingUnitsforSpatialUrbanStructures
7.8SupportingBridgeStructures
7.9FeasibilityoftheMegastructures
7.10TheSpatialCity
7.11ConcerningtheResponsibilityoftheDesigners .....................
7.12IsThistheFutureforanUrbanizedSociety?
8TimelineandPostscript
8.1Timeline
8.2Postscript
8.3NotLuxuriousExpensiveDreams
ListofFigures
Fig.1.1MichaelBalzandhiswifeEvawhohemetwhenshewasvisitinghis mother ’sstudioforapotteryclass.Reproducedfromphotographby MichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelandEvaBalz 2
Fig.1.2SculptureoftheinfantMichaelbyhisfathersculptorErnstBalz. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 3
Fig.1.3Externalandinternalviewsoftherefurbishedglazingofthetear-dropshapedskylight,InstituteforLightweightStructuresandConceptual Design(ILEK)attheUniversityofStuttgart. Photograph (left)John Chilton;(right)reproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz
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Fig.1.4CompetitionwinningdesignforaretirementhomevillageinWangen/ Allgäu.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermission fromMichaelBalz 6
Fig.1.5PlanetariumStuttgart(1974)withsupportingexternaltrussed-grid frameofstainlesssteeltubes.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz .......................... 7
Fig.1.6Entryforanarchitecturalcompetition “Stuttgart2000” high-density urbanresidencesin “dwellingtrees”,basedonbridgebuilding principles.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz
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Fig.1.7SingleandmultiplefamilyunitsinZellamNeckar.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 9
Fig.1.8Section(top)andelevation(bottom)ofdesignforvillainBirkenfeld. ReproducedfromdrawingsbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 10
Fig.1.9IASSTsuboiAwardreceivedbyMichaelBalzin1991.Reproduced fromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermission fromMichaelBalz ........................................... 12
Fig.2.1NaturalformsusedbyMichaelBalztoinformhisdesignoffree-form shells: a preciouswentletrap, Epitoniumscalare Photograph John Chilton. b Exteriorandinteriorstructureofchamberednautilus, Nautiluspompilius Photograph JohnChilton. c Lady’s-slipperorchid, Cypripediumcalceolus.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalz withpermissionfromMichaelBalz 14
Fig.2.2Urschalen:developmentoftwoalternativeprototypeshellsforliving showing fromlefttoright:theinitialcastform;proposedwidowand dooropenings;shellwithcut-outs;proposedinternalplanning. ReproducedfromphotographsbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz ............................................... 15
Fig.2.3Alternativeproposalsforfoundationsystemsforthepneumatic-formed shells.ReproducedfromdrawingsbyMichaelBalzwithpermission fromMichaelBalz 17
Fig.2.4ExamplesofmodelUrschalenpneumaticallyformedshellhouses photographedbyMichaelBalzwhilevisitingHeinzIslerinsummer 1967onthebankoftheRiverEmme,closetoIsler ’soffice. ReproducedfromphotographsbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz ............................................... 18
Fig.2.5Frontcoverofthelea flet GeborgenesWohnenheuteundmorgen:neue Wohnformen neueBaumethoden (SecureLivingTodayand Tomorrow:NewFormsofHousing NewConstructionMethods). Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermissionfromMichaelBalzandthe Islerfamily 19
Fig.2.6MichaelBalz’ssketchesshowingthatthehumananatomyfavours movementalongcurves.ThelayoutshownisthatoftheBalzHouse describedindetailinChap.4.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 21
Fig.2.7MichaelBalz’ssketchesshowinghowroundedformsenhancefeelings ofsecurityandsocialinteraction.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz .......................... 22
Fig.2.8Oneofthemodel,curved-form,habitableshellsillustratedinthelea flet GeborgenesWohnenheuteundmorgen:neueWohnformen neue Baumethoden.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz .................................. 23
Fig.2.9Two-tofour-personshellhouse,of95m2 inplanfromtheleaflet GeborgenesWohnenheuteundmorgen:neueWohnformen neue Baumethoden.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz .................................. 25
Fig.2.10Larger five-orsix-personshellhouse,of125m2 inplanfromthelea flet GeborgenesWohnenheuteundmorgen: neueWohnformen neue Baumethoden.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz .................................. 26
Fig.2.11Sketchsectionthroughproposedlivingshelldwellingforaprivate client,in1968.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 28
Fig.2.12Ground floorplanofoneofthealternativehouseproposalsforHeinz andMariaIsleratLyssachschachen,nearBurgdorf,Switzerland,1972. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalzandtheIslerfamily 29
Fig.2.13Upper floorplanofthesamehouseproposalforHeinzandMariaIsler atLyssachschachen,nearBurgdorf,Switzerland,1972.Reproduced fromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalzand theIslerfamily 30
Fig.2.14MichaelBalz’smodelofthepreferredschemeforHeinzandMaria Isler ’shouseatLyssachschachen,nearBurgdorf.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalzand theIslerfamily 31
Fig.2.15 ‘Bio-segment’ systemofdwellingorlivingcellsproposedbyMichael BalzinJanuary1971.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 32
Fig.2.16Alternativecombinationsandextensionofthemodular ‘bio-segment’ system.ReproducedfromdrawingsbyMichaelBalzwithpermission fromMichaelBalz 33
Fig.2.17Alternative ‘bio-segment’ systemofdwellingorlivingshellsfora warmclimate.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 34
Fig.2.18Alternativetwo-storey ‘bio-segment’ systemofdwellingorliving shells.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermission fromMichaelBalz 35
Fig.3.1Siteplanshowingthecomplexof fiveBalz/IslershellsatStettenauf denFildern,nearStuttgart,asproposedin1980.Thebasementplan oftheballetsalonisshowntotheright.Theshellshowntoprightwas neverconstructed.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 38
Fig.3.2 a Planview;and b elevationalviewfromnorth-westofthearchitectural modeloftheStettensite,excludingtheBalzHouse.Reproducedfrom photographsbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 39
Fig.3.3 a, b Gypsumplastercastsofthehangingmodelsusedtoexplorethe potentialgeometryoftheTheaterunterdenKuppeln,Stetten, photographedinHeinzIsler ’sstudio. Photographs JohnChiltonwith permissionfromtheIslerfamily
Fig.3.4Maintimberarchedprofi lesbeinginstalledtodefinetheshellform oftheTheaterunterdenKuppelnshell,Stetten.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz .......
Fig.3.5FlowingarchformoftheTheaterunterdenKuppelnshell,Stetten,as seenfromtheperformancespace.Reproducedfromphotographby MichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalzandTheaterunterden Kuppeln
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42
Fig.3.6PlanoftheNaturtheater,Grötzingenshell.Reproducedfromdrawing byMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 43
Fig.3.7FrontelevationandcentrelinesectionoftheNaturtheater,Grötzingen shell.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 44
Fig.3.8Naturtheater,Grötzingenshellblendsintothesurroundingwoodland. Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermissionfromMichaelBalzand Naturtheater,Grötzingen ......................................
45
Fig.3.9InitialwireframemodelfortheNaturtheater,Grötzingenshell. Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermissionfromtheIslerfamily 46
Fig.3.10Plantemplateforproducinghangingmembranemodelsforthe Naturtheater,Grötzingenshell. Photograph JohnChiltonwith permissionfromtheIslerfamily 47
Fig.3.11Plastercastfromoneoftheexploratoryhangingmembranemodelsfor theNaturtheater,Grötzingenshell. Photograph JohnChiltonwith permissionfromtheIslerfamily ................................ 48
Fig.3.12PlanviewofplastercastshowninFig.3.11. Photograph JohnChilton withpermissionfromtheIslerfamily
49
Fig.3.13ArrangementofthefoundationsandgroundbeamsfortheNaturtheater, Grötzingenshell.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 50
Fig.3.14Lightweightadjustablescaffoldingsupportstheshellfalseworkand formwork.MichaelBalz(facingcamera)andHeinzIslerarein discussionintheforegroundinFebruary1978.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz, theIslerfamilyandNaturtheater,Grötzingen 51
Fig.3.15Curvedprimarybeamsassembledfromdiscretesawnprofiledsections followthegeometrymeasuredalonggridlinesonthehanging membranemodelsfortheNaturtheater,Grötzingenshell.Reproduced fromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz andNaturtheater,Grötzingen 52
Fig.3.16HeinzIsleristhecentral figurecarryingoutasiteinspectionofthe Naturtheater,Grötzingenshellfalsework.Reproducedfromphotograph byMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz,theIslerfamily andNaturtheater,Grötzingen 53
Fig.3.17Flexibletimberlathsatapproximately250mmcentreslaidacrossthe primarygridbeamstogeneratethedouble-curvedsurfacederivedfrom thehangingmembranemodelsfortheNaturtheater,Grötzingenshell. Notethecontinuousboardingnearthesupportintheforegroundwhere afair-faced finishisrequired.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalzandNaturtheater,Grötzingen ... 54
Fig.3.18Formworkandreinforcementatthenorth-westshellbase.Notethe areasattheshelledgeandtheinclinedlegwherenoinsulationslabs havebeenplaced,thusformingawidebutshallowedgestiffening element.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalzandNaturtheater,Grötzingen
Fig.3.19Placingoftheshellconcrete.Notetheheavysteelreinforcementinthe slightlythickenedshelledge.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalzandNaturtheater,Grötzingen ...
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56
Fig.3.20ElegantslenderformoftheNaturtheater,Grötzingenshellshortlyafter completion.Theshellisactuallythinnerthanitappearsbecausethereis asmallnon-structuralliporupstandattheedgestodirectrainwateroff theshell.Themaximumspantominimumthicknessratiois467:1. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalzandNaturtheater,Grötzingen 57
Fig.3.21ArchitectMichaelBalzatthethinedgeoftheNaturtheater,Grötzingen shellindicatingthesmallraisedlipprovidedtochannelrainwatertothe drainagesystematthesupports.Notethenaturalsurfacepatinaofmoss andlichens. Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermissionofMichaelBalz andNaturtheater,Grötzingen 58
Fig.3.22Unobtrusiveringsofauditoriumlightingcontrastwiththearrayof spotlights,whichtendtointrudeandslightlydetractfromtheclean curveofthe42-mspanarchofthefrontshelledge. Photograph John ChiltonwithpermissionofMichaelBalzandNaturtheater,Grötzingen 59
Fig.3.23InterioroftheBallettsaal(BalletSalon)shell,StettenaufdenFildern. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalzandTheaterunterdenKuppeln 60
Fig.3.24ModelusedtopreciselydeterminetheBallettsaalshellgeometry showingthegridlinesalongwhichHeinzIslermeasuredthe coordinatesofpointsontheplastercastandtheperimeterofthe proposedshellthathasbeendrawnonitssurface. Photograph John ChiltonwithpermissionoftheIslerfamily 61
Fig.3.251:50scaleplanshowingthesettingoutgeometryfortheedgeprofiles oftheBallettsaalshell HeinzIsler ’sdrawingSB321/22dated 22March1979.Therelationshipoftheinsulationusedassacri ficial shutteringandtheshellcanbeseeninthesections.Reproducedfrom drawingbyHeinzIslerinthepossessionofMichaelBalz,with permissionofMichaelBalzandtheIslerfamily
Fig.3.26Heightsforshellsupport(HöhefürSchalenschalung)onHeinzIsler ’s drawingSB452/28dated21March1989.Theseareforthemainbody ofthemirroredversionofthesamegeometry,asusedfortheMusicalSaal,constructedin1988–1989.Notethecontoursat0.5mintervals sketchedapproximatelyinpencil.ReproducedfromdrawingbyHeinz IslerinthepossessionofMichaelBalz,withpermissionofMichael BalzandtheIslerfamily
Fig.3.27Profiledbinderbeamsanddraped fl exiblelathsdefinetheBallettsaal shellgeometry.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalzandTheaterunterdenKuppeln
Fig.3.28Shellpreparationforconcretingwithinsulationslabsusedaspermanent shutteringinplaceandthebottomlayerofsteelreinforcementinthe edgesections.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalzandTheaterunterdenKuppeln
Fig.3.29Generalplacementofsteelreinforcementintwolayersoverthe insulationslabs.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalzandTheaterunterdenKuppeln
Fig.3.30Differentcolouredzonesrevealtheprogressasconcreteisgradually placedacrosstheshellfromtheindividualbasestowardsthelongbase edge.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermission fromMichaelBalzandTheaterunterdenKuppeln
Fig.3.31Handtool finishingofthesprayedconcreteonthelongbasesteepest faceoftheBallettsaalshell.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalzandTheaterunterden Kuppeln
Fig.3.32Extremethinness,typicallyjust80mm,andsculpturalqualitiesofthe shellcanbefullyappreciatedbeforethefaçadesareinstalled. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalzandTheaterunterdenKuppeln
Fig.3.33SympatheticnorthfaçadeglazingoftheBallettsaalshell,setbackfrom thefreeedgeasseenfromtheBalzHouse.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalzand TheaterunterdenKuppeln
Fig.3.34Overthelast40yearsthesurfacehasacquiredapatinaoflichensand blendseffortlesslyintothesurroundingvegetation. Photograph John ChiltonwithpermissionofMichaelBalzandTheaterunterden Kuppeln
Fig.3.35FinalplanoftheStettenculturalcentre.Reproducedfromdrawingby MichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz
Fig.3.36Musical-Saalshell,viewedfromtherearoftheTheaterunterden Kuppeln,withthelinkingcafeteriatotheright. Photograph John ChiltonwithpermissionfromMichaelBalzandTheaterunterden Kuppeln
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Fig.3.37InteriorviewoftheMusical-Saalshellshowstheorganicsweepofthe insulatedsurfacewhichconcealstheupperframeofthemetal-framed glazing. Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz andTheaterunterdenKuppeln ................................. 72
Fig.3.38Cafeteria/foyerbuildingwithorganictree-likecolumnslinkingthe threeshells.TheMusical-Saalshellisjustvisible(left)andtheatreshell (right). Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz andTheaterunterdenKuppeln ................................. 72
Fig.3.39Internalviewofthefoyerwiththetheatreshellbehind.Reproduced fromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz andTheaterunterdenKuppeln 73
Fig.3.40ScalemodelofentrancecanopyforEuropa-ParkdevelopedbyMichael Balz’ssonMarkusBalz. Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermission fromMarkusBalz 74
Fig.3.41Reusabletimberformworkwith “…reinforcement[ ]wovenoverthe woodenformworkusingafour-edgesystemwhichenablesanoptimal adaptiontotheorganicshape.” (Balz2011)foroneoftheentrance canopyshellsfortheEisstadion(icestadium)intheGreekthemedarea atEuropa-Park.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalzandEuropa-Park .................... 75
Fig.3.42CompletedentrancecanopyshellforEuropa-Park.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalzand Europa-Park 76
Fig.3.43ShelldesignforanexhibitionspacetoencloseareplicaoftheSoviet/ RussianspacestationMir,atEuropa-Park.Reproducedfromdrawing byMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 77
Fig.3.44Alternativeproposalforanexhibitionspacetoencloseareplicaofthe Soviet/RussianspacestationMir,atEuropa-Park.Reproducedfrom drawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 78
Fig.3.45Partiallyprefabricatedprototypecarport,6m 6m,incollaboration withWilliBösigerSA:(top)developmentmodel;(middleandbottom) outsidethecompany’sofficesinLangenthal,Switzerland. Photographs topandmiddleReproducedfromphotographsbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz;bottomphotograph:JohnChilton 79
Fig.3.46Precastbaseelementofthepartiallyprefabricatedprototypecarport. Photograph JohnChilton ...................................... 80
Fig.3.47Proposalsformodularlow-costhousingusingthermoformedinsulated shells.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermission fromMichaelBalz 81
Fig.4.1TheBalzHouseviewedfromthenorth-west.Theshellappearstohover abovetheground.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 84
Fig.4.2TemplatefollowingtheproposedBalzHouse floorplanat1:20scale usedtoproduceaninflatedPVCmembraneformbyairpressurefrom belowandheatappliedfromabovetoincreaseitselasticity. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 86
Fig.4.3ConceptmodeloftheBalzHousederivedfrommodellingwithan inflatedPVCmembraneat1:20scale.Reproducedfromphotographby MichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 87
Fig.4.4PlanoftheBalzHouse,Stetten,showing:A:mainliving/relaxation area;B:diningarea;C:kitchenandbreakfastbar;D:masterbedroom; E:bathinggrotto;F: fireplace/chimney;G:externalterrace.Reproduced fromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz ..... 88
Fig.4.5LongsectionthroughtheBalzHouse,Stetten,showingtheadditional storage/viewingplatformabovethekitchen(centre),accessedbya ladder,andmoreconventionalaccommodationbelow.Reproduced fromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz ..... 89
Fig.4.6Sketchesshowingproposedlayoutofindividualsteelbar(ratherthan weldedmesh)reinforcementfollowingthecurvatureoftheshell. ReproducedfromdrawingsbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz ............................................... 90
Fig.4.7Steelreinforcementformedovercurvedtimberbeamsandthesteel windowframetotheleft.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 91
Fig.4.8(left)Lightweightmeshisattachedtothemainsteelreinforcementand seenincloseupinthebackground(right).Reproducedfrom photographsbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichael,Eva, JohannesandAngelikaBalz,WalterandWernerSteck 91
Fig.4.9Compactionandhand- finishingofthelow-slumpconcreteplacedon thelowershell,in1979.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalz withpermissionfromMichaelBalz 92
Fig.4.10Placingbyskipsuspendedfromatowercraneandcompactionofthe uppershell.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 93
Fig.4.11Organicformofkitchen,breakfastbar,upperplatformand fireplace (toright)allmouldedfromconcrete.Reproducedfromphotographby MichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz ................... 94
Fig.4.12Viewofinterioroftheuppershellfromtheupperplatformwithoriginal bespokefurnishingcoveredwithpurplefabric.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 95
Fig.4.13Custom-builtshelvingandpendantlampsupportarmbyMichaelBalz totheleft.Lateafternoonsun fillstheseatingarea.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 96
Fig.4.14Schematicpost-constructiondrawingshowingdetailsofthesolar thermalenergycaptureandlow-temperatureheatingsystemsinsertedin theconcreteelementsoftheshell,deck, floors,wallsandother thermallymassiveinteriorfeatures.Reproducedfromdrawingby MichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 97
Fig.4.15Twenty-mm-diameterpolyethylenepipesareloopedthroughtheshellto captureheatfromtheconcretewarmedbythesun.Shownhereduring constructionbeforeaddingtheouterconcretelayer.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 98
Fig.4.16Throughheatingpipesembeddedinthewallsandbasethebathing grottoiseffectivelywarmedbythesun!Reproducedfromphotograph byMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 99
Fig.4.17Metal-framedglazingisfullyconcealedexternallybytheshellattheir junctionandbyinsulationinternally. Photograph JohnChiltonwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 100
Fig.4.18ExternalsurfaceoftheshellinJune2018isstillwellpreservedafter almost40years. Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz
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Fig.4.19Upperplatformusedasaspaceforquietrelaxationhasapanoramic viewoftheopenlivingroombelow,totheright.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 102
Fig.4.20MichaelBalzonthewest-facingroofterraceadjacenttothesheltered externaldiningspaceinJune2018. Photograph JohnChiltonwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 103
Fig.4.21Theextensiveexternalterraceonthesouthsideoftheshell idealfor parties. Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz .... 104
Fig.4.22DistinctiveorganicarchitectureoftheBalzHouseviewedfromthe south-west.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 105
Fig.4.23SouthelevationoftheBalzHouseshowingkitchenandplatformover. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 105
Fig.4.24SnowclingingtotheshellsurfaceoftheBalzHouserevealsthehigh qualityoftheinsulatedbuildingenvelope.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 106
Fig.5.1Preliminarysketchofchurchwithsiderooms,dated8thOctober1967, forthecompetitionentryforanEvangelicalLutheranchurch,in Heilbronn.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermission fromMichaelBalz 109
Fig.5.2Preliminarysketchofsacredbuildinginshellconstruction,dated8th October1967,forthecompetitionentryforanEvangelicalLutheran church,inHeilbronn.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 110
Fig.5.3Planof finalcompetitionentry.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 111
Fig.5.4Planviewofpresentationmodelfor finalcompetitionentry.Notethe piercingoftheroofshellthatallowsthealtartobeilluminatedbylight reflecteddownwardfromthecurvingtowershell.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 112
Fig.5.5Modelofthe finalcompetitionentryshowingtherelationshipofthe towertothemainshellandlinkingofancillaryshellswiththe fl atroofedterrace.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 113
Fig.5.6Orchid flowerinspirationforthetowerform.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 114
Fig.5.7Modelofthe finalcompetitionentryagainstabackgroundofwooded landscape.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz .................................. 115
Fig.5.8ModelofproposedshellroofsfortheGermanNationalMuseumof ContemporaryHistory,Bonn,arrangedlikepetalsofa flowerarounda centralcourtyard.Theshadowsrevealthecurvatureoftheforms. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 115
Fig.5.9PlanofcompetitionentryforproposedGermanNationalMuseumof ContemporaryHistory,Bonnshowingrelationshipofshellroofs (boundariesshadedyellow)tomezzanineandintermediate fl oors(red andgreen,respectively).Theroofglazingandinclinedfaçadeglazing areshadedblue.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 117
Fig.5.10North-eastelevation(top)andsectionsB–B(middle)andA–A (bottom)asshowninFig.5.9ofthecompetitionentryforproposed GermanNationalMuseumofContemporaryHistory,Bonn,showthe relationshipbetweenthethinshellsandthestepped floorplans. ReproducedfromrendereddrawingbyJohannesFritzwithpermission fromJohannesFritz 118
Fig.5.11Cut-awayviewofmodeloftheproposedGermanNationalMuseumof ContemporaryHistory,Bonn,withtheshelloverthemainentrance removed.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 119
Fig.5.12Viewfromthenorth-eastofthephysicalmodeloftheproposedGerman NationalMuseumofContemporaryHistory,Bonn,showingthelargest (entrance)shellwithinthelandscape.Reproducedfromphotographby MichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 120
Fig.5.13Viewfromthesouth-westofthephysicalmodeloftheproposed GermanNationalMuseumofContemporaryHistory,Bonn,showing howtheshellsgrouproundthecourtyardandwithinthelandscape. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 120
Fig.5.14SiteplanfortheproposedthermalbathsatSindelfi ngen,Böblingen. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 122
Fig.5.15Viewofmodelwiththeroofshellform-foundbyhangingmembrane. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 123
Fig.5.16Viewofmodelwiththeroofshellform-foundbyhangingmembrane. Thelenticularglazedopeningcanbeseenbetweenthelargershell surfaceandthetriangularshelloverthemainentrance.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 124
Fig.5.17Viewofmodelfromeastshowingthesurroundingterracedroof,the mergedshellbaseandlenticularrooflighttotheright.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz ....... 125
Fig.5.18LocationplanshowingMichaelBalz’sproposalfortheGerman Pavilion,atExpo’2000,inHanover,overlookingtheExpo-Plaza. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz ............................................... 126
Fig.5.19ModeloftheproposalfortheGermanPavilion,atExpo’2000, inHanover,withshellformsderivedusinghangingmembranes. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz ............................................... 127
Fig.5.20Cross-sectionnorth/south(top)andlong-sectionwest/east(bottom) oftheproposalfortheGermanPavilion,atExpo’2000,inHanover. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz ............................................... 128
Fig.5.21Modelshowingtheorganicallyformed floorsoftheproposalforthe GermanPavilion,atExpo’2000,inHanover.Reproducedfrom photographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 129 Fig.5.22 a Basement(top); b ground/entrance(middle); c first(bottom); d second(top); e third(middle);and f mezzanine(bottom) floorplans fortheproposalfortheGermanPavilion,atExpo’2000,inHanover. ReproducedfromdrawingsbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz
Fig.5.23ModelfortheproposedHegauAutoRast,withinclinedcentralshell. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 132
Fig.5.24PlanviewofmodelfortheproposedHegauAutoRast.Reproduced fromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 132
Fig.5.25 a North-east(top); b south-west(middle);and c north-west(bottom) elevationsoftheHegauAutoRastshells.Reproducedfromdrawings byMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz ................ 133
Fig.6.1AlternativesketchproposalsofshellroofsfortheTropicana,Lucerne. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 136
Fig.6.2DetailedsketchproposalforshellrooffortheTropicana,Lucerne. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 138
Fig.6.3Initialform-findinghangingfabricmembranemodelbyMichaelBalz, oftheproposedatelierandoffi cebuilding,forWilliBösigerAG Langenthal,Switzerland.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 139
Fig.6.4Conceptmodelofproposedatelierandoffi cebuilding,forWilliBösiger AGLangenthal,Switzerland. Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermission fromMichaelBalz 139
Fig.6.5InitialwireframemodelforWilliBösigerAGstudioandoffi cebuilding encounteredinHeinzIsler ’sstudioin2011. Photograph JohnChilton withpermissionfromtheIslerfamily ............................ 140
Fig.6.6HeinzIsler ’sexploratorymodelform-foundwithsuspendedwoven fabricforWilliBösigerAGstudioandoffi cebuilding. Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermissionfromtheIslerfamily 141
Fig.6.7Baseboardusedtocreatetheprecisehangingform- findingshellmodels forWilliBösigerAGstudioandofficebuilding.Thehexagonalzone, boundedbythethinwoodenstrips,canbereleasedanddroppedaftera plaster-coveredlatexmembranehasbeenstretchedbetweenthelarge woodenblocks. Photograph JohnChiltonwithpermissionfromthe Islerfamily 142
Fig.6.8PreciseplastermodelsproducedbyHeinzIsler ’shangingmembrane methodforWilliBösigerAGstudioandoffi cebuilding a showing locationsofprofi lemeasurementpoints(circled);and b planviewwith thrustlinesfromthebasesprojectedacrossthesurface. Photographs JohnChiltonwithpermissionfromtheIslerfamily 143
Fig.6.9Ground floorplandated,4thApril1986,ofproposedatelierandoffice building,forWilliBösigerAGLangenthal,Switzerland.Reproduced fromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 144
Fig.6.10Sectionofproposedatelierandofficebuilding,dated9thJuly1989,for WilliBösigerAGLangenthal,Switzerland.Reproducedfromdrawing byMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz ................ 145
Fig.6.11West(top)andsouth(bottom)elevations,dated9thJuly1989,of proposedatelierandofficebuilding,forWilliBösigerAGLangenthal, Switzerland.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz .................................. 146
Fig.6.12Siteplanoftheproposalforaleisureparkdevelopmentin Wallwitzhafen,Dessau.Fromlefttoright:ice/rollerskatingrink; beergarden;indoorandoutdoorswimmingpools;hotel;viewingtower; andindoortenniscourts.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalz withpermissionfromMichaelBalz 148
Fig.6.13SketchoftheproposedconferencecentreandElbhotelattheleisure parkdevelopmentinWallwitzhafen,Dessau.Reproducedfromdrawing byMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz ................ 149
Fig.6.14Panoramicsketchofanalternativeschemeforaleisurepark developmentinWallwitzhafen,Dessau,showingdiversityofproposed shells.ReproducedfromdrawingbyBuroIslerwithpermissionfrom theIslerfamily .............................................. 150
Fig.6.15SketchoftheproposedFlowerHouse1,Thane,nearMumbai,India. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 151
Fig.6.16FloorplanandsectionoftheproposedmodularprefabricatedFlower House2,Thane,India,dated12thDecember1994.Reproducedfrom drawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 152
Fig.6.17SitelayoutplanofCosmoVilledevelopment,Thane,India,dated12th March1994.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 153
Fig.6.18 ‘Bio-segment’ housingproposedforCosmoVille,Thane,India. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz ............................................... 154
Fig.6.19Proposedmeditationtemple,dedicatedtotheHindugodSurya,for CosmoVilledevelopment,Thane,India,dated8thJanuary1995. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz ............................................... 155
Fig.6.20SiteplanandelevationoftheCosmoVille,amenitiescentre,Thane, India composedoffourfree-formshellsaroundalake.Reproduced fromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 156
Fig.6.21HeliopolisUniversity,ShellofPeace.Reproducedfromdrawingby MichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 158
Fig.6.22Crossedhands inspirationfortheplanoftheHeliopolisUniversity, ShellofPeace.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz .................................. 159
Fig.6.23SiteplanoftheHeliopolisUniversity,ShellofPeacewithopenforum (centre),enclosedconferencehall(right)andcorecentre(left). ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz ............................................... 160
Fig.6.24West(upper)andnorth(lower)elevationsoftheShellofPeace, HeliopolisUniversity,withopenforum(centre),enclosedconference hall(right)andcorecentre(left).ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz .......................... 161
Fig.6.25BasementplanoftheShellofPeace,HeliopolisUniversity,showing thelinkbetweenforum,conferencehallandcorecentre.Reproduced fromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 162
Fig.6.26TransverseandlongsectionsoftheHeliopolisUniversity,Shellof Peace.Thelower,longsectionsuggestshowthevariablecurvature oftheshellsurfacewilldistributesoundmoreevenly.Reproducedfrom drawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 163
Fig.6.27Alternativeauditoriumarrangements a SekemForum(topleft), b conferencehall(bottomleft), c divineservice(topright); and d concerthall(bottomright)fortheShellofPeace.Reproduced fromdrawingsbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz ..... 165
Fig.6.28PlanviewofconceptmodelbyMichelBalzofmulti-levelshell continuoussurfacesfortheskateboardingclub. Photograph John ChiltonwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 166
Fig.6.29Anobliqueviewofconceptmodelrevealsthesinuous,threedimensionalmulti-levelcontinuousshellsurfaceproposedforthe skateboardingclub.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz 167
Fig.6.30Planoftheskateboardingclub.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 168
Fig.6.31Sectionsoftheskateboardingclub.Reproducedfromdrawingby MichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 169
Fig.6.32PlanandelevationsofaproposalforastreetbarinStuttgart. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 170
Fig.6.33AlternativeplanandsectionsofaproposalforastreetbarinStuttgart. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 171
Fig.7.1Proposalfor ‘Stuttgart2000’ citycentrelakeandhousingintheair. ReproducedfromimagebyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz ............................................... 176
Fig.7.2Cross-sectionofproposedhigh-risetreestructurefor ‘Stuttgart2000’ ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 177
Fig.7.3 a Conventionalhigh-risetowersonmultipleplotswithconnectiononly atstreetlevelwithlittleornoopenspaceorgreenery; b linkedtowers onmoredispersedbases,connectedathighlevel,permitgreeningofthe urbanlandscape.ReproducedfromdrawingsbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz .................................. 180
Fig.7.4Modularresidentialmodulessupportedabovegroundonmetal structures.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermission fromMichaelBalz 182
Fig.7.5Modeloforganic-formlightweightmodularresidentialmodules. ReproducedfromphotographbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 183
Fig.7.6Pylonandcablesupportsystemformodularresidentialunitswith connecteddecksformingadeepbeamlinkingthetowers.Reproduced fromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 184
Fig.7.7Planshowingextendablehexagonallayoutofthepylonandhabitable bridgedecksystem.ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwith permissionfromMichaelBalz .................................. 185
Fig.7.8Modularroomcellsonsuspendeddecks.Reproducedfromdrawingby MichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 186
Fig.7.9Planofdeckwithalternativelayoutsofthemodularroomcells. ReproducedfromdrawingbyMichaelBalzwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalz 187
Fig.7.10Sectionthroughthemodularroomcells.Reproducedfromdrawingby MichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 188
Fig.7.11Conceptphysicalmodel.ReproducedfromphotographbyMichael BalzwithpermissionfromMichaelBalz 189
Fig.7.12Vehicular(blue)andpedestrian(redandorange)circulationroutesfor extendedtowersystem(designconceptbyMichaelBalzreproduced fromdrawingbyDipl.-Ing.HenningDürrwithpermissionfrom MichaelBalzandHenningDürr) 190
Fig.7.13AlternativestructuralsolutionsinvestigatedbyTheresaNettekoven with: a centralpylontrussedcantileverdecks; b radialconcretewall planes;and c dispersedsteellatticeribs.Reproducedfromdrawingsby TheresaNettekovenwithpermissionfromTheresaNettekoven 193
Fig.7.14Pylonsupportingstructureseenfromgroundlevel(designconceptby MichaelBalzreproducedfromdrawingbyDipl.-Ing.HenningDürr withpermissionfromMichaelBalzandHenningDürr) 194
Fig.7.15Photomontageofspatialcityintroducedintomarginallandinan existinglandscape(designconceptbyMichaelBalzreproducedfrom drawingbyDipl.-Ing.HenningDürrwithpermissionfromMichael BalzandHenningDürr)
Fig.8.1TimelineshowingMichaelBalz’sbuiltprojects,competitionentries, unbuiltprojectsandresearchfrom1965to1979(Imagecreditsand permissions(fromtop)areasnotedincaptionsforFigs.2.4,5.7,2.5, 2.11,1.6,2.15,2.13,3.5,3.20,3.23and6.1)
Fig.8.2TimelineshowingMichaelBalz’sbuiltprojects,competitionentries, unbuiltprojectsandresearchfrom1980to1996(Imagecreditsand permissions(fromtop)areasnotedincaptionsforFigs.4.24,5.15,5.8, 6.4,3.36,3.42,3.45,6.13,6.15,6.19and3.43)
Fig.8.3TimelineshowingMichaelBalz’sbuiltprojects,competitionentries, unbuiltprojectsandresearchfrom1997todate(Imagecreditsand permissions(fromtop)areasnotedincaptionsforFigs.5.25,5.19, 7.12,7.15,7.13,6.29and6.33)
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Introduction:BiographicalSketch
Abstract
ThechapterintroducesMichaelBalz’searlyyearsand careerdevelopment,his firstexplorationswithpneumatic structures,freelancecollaborations,initialcontactwith FreiOttoandHeinzIslerandhislong-standingrelationshipwiththeInternationalAssociationforShelland SpatialStructures.
1.1EarlyYears
MichaelValentinBalz,Fig. 1.1,wasborninBerlinonthe 18May1935,toartistErnstBalz whosesculptureofthe infantMichaelisportrayedinFig. 1.2 thesonofapastor fromsouthernGermany,andsculptorDorisBalz.Doris, whohadstudiedbiologyandbotanyaswellas fi nearts,was thedaughterofsculptor,ProfessorWilhelmGerstel,who taughtattheAcademyinBerlin.ShehadmetErnstwhile studyingwithProfessorGerstel,whowasknownforhis classicalrepresentationalsculpture.Aftertheymarried,in 1934,theysetuptheirfamilyhomeinBerlin-Zehlendorf. FromthebeginningoftheWorldWarII,in1939,Ernst BalzwasapioneerintheGermanmilitary.However,in1944 hewasreportedasmissinginRomania,and,sadly,never returnedfromthewar.Hence,from1939onwards,Doris Balzwaslefttoraisethefamily,Michaelandhisthreesiblings,effectivelyasasinglemother.In1943,becauseofthe anticipatedAlliedairraidsonBerlin,familieswithchildren wereevacuatedtolessdenselypopulatedareasofGermany. TheBalzfamilywenttotheirparents-in-lawinsouthern Germany,andresettledinGellmersbachneartheWeinsberg districtofHeilbronn.Thus,fromaroundtheageofeight,
MichaelBalz’schildhoodwasspent,largelyinasimple villageenvironmentinruralidyllremotefromurbanculture.
Heattendedprimaryschool,initiallyinBerlinZehlendorf,from1941to1943,andtheninGellmersbach, from1943to1945.Aftersixyearsofsecondaryschoolin theWeinsbergdistrictofHeilbronn,hegraduated “Mittlere Reife” inthesummerof1951.Thiswasaperiodthat includedthehighlydisruptiveyearsofWorldWarIIandthe earlyyearsofreconstructionofGermanyimmediatelyfollowingthewar.SouthernGermany,especiallythecityof Heilbronn,hadbeensubjecttointenseaerialbombingwhich resultedinwidespreaddestruction.
ForMichael,itwasamatterofsolidaritytoactivelyhelp inthereconstruction,anditseemedtohimthattoacquirea practicalconstructionskillwouldbemoreimportantinthe circumstances,ratherthanpursuinghumanisticorartistic studieslikehisparentshaddone.Withthatobjective,on leavingschoolMichaelbeganworkingfortheestablished buildingcompanyKochundMayer.Hetookupan apprenticeshipinHeilbronn,whereheacquiredskillsas carpenterandinpracticalbuildingwork passingthe carpenter-journeyman’sexamination,in1953,andthen workingasatraineebricklayerwiththesamecompanyin 1954.Theseareproficienciesthatwouldbeinvaluableto himinhislatercareerasanarchitect.
MichaelBalzfoundthatbeingcreativeusinghisown practicalskillsandcraftsmanship,asaco-workerwith humblecolleaguesinasupportiveenvironment,wasan importantlifeexperience.Hebelievesthatsuchexperience shouldbepartoftheworldviewofeverypracticallycreative person.Wheninprofessionalpractice,newdevelopments canthusbeexplained,reviewedandimplemented.Inthis way,thesuccessoftherealizationofone’svisionscanbe experienced.
MichaelBalzandhiswifeEvawhohemetwhenshewasvisitinghismother ’sstudioforapotteryclass.Reproducedfromphotograph byMichaelBalzwithpermissionfromMichaelandEvaBalz
Fig.1.1
