Otto Bartning (1883–1959). Architect of Social Modernism

As a Modernist architect and theorist, Otto Bartning had a significant impact on the evolution of 20th century architecture. In addition to churches, his oeuvre includes high-quality residential estates and social housing, individual residences and interior design. Despite the economy and ­functionality of his structures, as an architect of social modernism Bartning constantly sought to create a suitable space for the spiritual dimension in social life. His buildings and designs are informed by contemporaneity and openness, rather than defined styles, fashions or a shortsighted perspective. The discovery of his previously little known life’s work represents a journey across four eras of German history – eras on which Bartning, as an architectural reformer, has left a lasting imprint.

At the conclusion of the exhibition, Bartning experts – including Sandra Wagner-Conzelmann, Wolfgang Pehnt and Werner Durth – will come together on 9–10 June for an in-depth symposium to analyse and contextualise Bartning’s work.

An exhibition of the Akademie der Künste, Berlin, and the Wüstenrot Stiftung in collaboration with the TU Darmstadt. Funded by the LOTTO-Stiftung Berlin.