K. F. Schinkel 1781-1841 - Martin Steffens

"The essence of the artistic design in building - like all art - indeed provides meaning for man's existence and in itself it confirmes its result that became form."
- Hans Scharoun

German architect Hans Scharoun (1893-1972) studied and practiced architecture his entire adult life but did not build a major building until 1963 when his impressive Berlin Philharmonie finally came to life. The fact that he stayed in Germany during the Second World War prevented him from realizing grandiose projects and caused him to concentrate more on interiors than exteriors for many years. Nevertheless, Scharoun`s sculptural designs, influenced by the expressionist-utopian circle "Glserne Kette" of which he was a member, did not go unnoticed and were among the best of his generation.

About the Series:
Each book in TASCHEN's Basic Architecture Series features:

• an introduction to the life and work of the architect
• the major works in chronological order
• information about the clients, architectural preconditions as well as construction problems and resolutions
• a list of all the selected works and a map indicating the locations of the best and most famous buildings
• approximately 120 illustrations (photographs, sketches, drafts and plans)