The AEG turbine factory was built around
1909, in the Berlin district of Moabit, the best known work of
architect Peter Behrens. It is an influential and well-known example
of industrial architecture. Its revolutionary design features 100m long and 15m
tall glass and Steel walls on either sides. A bold move and world first that
would have a durable impact on Architecture as a whole.
The site was since 1892, occupied by the electrical
company founded by August Thyssen and the Thomson Houston Electric
Company, the Union-Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft (UEG). The company's goal was to
get into the booming electrical industry, and this site was dedicated to the
production of electrical Trams. But the company quickly encountered
financial difficulties, and the Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft (AEG)
took over in 1904 and planned the construction of a new turbine factory, as the
existing factory had become too small.
The architect Peter
Behrens was commissioned with the construction of the new building.
More than an architect, Behrens was employed from 1907 by AEG as an artistic
consultant and designed the company logo, and other company graphics for
the building. He was also in charge of the overall image of the company.
Initially influenced by the developing Art Nouveau , the architect
turned soon to the Werkbund, which in turn was influenced by the
British Arts and Crafts.
Thank you Dear Merja for
this nice maxicard.
