|
The transportable synthetic multi-purpose building revolutionised architecture
in the mid-sixties. However, the general public, who did not want to move
away from traditional construction methods, remained largely unaffected
by the revolution. In addition to rejection for reasons of tradition,
unsophisticated production and assembly processes also slowed down the
general acceptance of these innovations in architecture. There were also
questions still to be clarified regarding subsequent disposal of the synthetics
used, since people did not believe in their perpetual durability as propagated
by the manufacturers. Behind many synthetic building projects
there were, however, renowned architects and successful manufacturers of
synthetic products. They viewed the transportable buildings as an oppor-tunity
to set trends and standards for individually designed buildings that were
to shape our era. Today the surviving prototypes of that time - such
as the FUTURO in Berlin or the RONDO House in Freiburg - seem more modern
than ever. It is doubtful, however, whether we would really have
welcomed an implementation of these visions. For they were not really designed
to be individual, but - like the prefabricated concrete panel buildings
- as systems of urban development to form the basis of entire metropolises.
At the same time, the GDR firm BOTH realised the project of the "Raumerweiterungshalle"
or REH (extension hall). This is a structure made of up to eight accordion-like
components that could also be assembled in areas difficult to access. The
"Raumerweiterungshalle" found over three thousand customers worldwide.
Although the FUTURO House was used commercially in Berlin as long as the
Spreepark was used as an information centre, most synthetic houses of that
era were designed more as holiday homes. They were beyond the means of
the average citizen. Like the RONDO and the FUTURO House, the REH
was based on the concepts of functionalism and mobility. With its simple
design and because it could be extended, it was also suitable for commercial
use. Business customers used the hall, among other things, as a service
station, tool shed or warehouse. Perhaps this is the main reason
why the REH survived until 1989, whilst the FUTURO disappeared from the
architectural scene along with other synthetic houses in the mid-seventies,
after plastic became too expensive to be used as a building material following
the oil crisis.
|
|