DannyB

Neues Frankfurt

The chronological sequence of German history from 1870 can be described as the rule of Bismark, unification of Germany, development of mass production and consumerism, (first large wave of housing building), autocratic rule of Kaiser Wilhelm II, imperialism, the development of the Social Democratic Party as a mass socialist organisation. That sequence stops with theContinue reading “Neues Frankfurt”

The Art of Logistics

The Art of Logistics has many possibilities. An image-object like this can become a clue. But that must wait, it is included here for chronological reasons, rather than by concept. Sometimes that’s how it works and I am trying to catch up with time, fully aware of how it slips in the opposite direction toContinue reading “The Art of Logistics”

You’ll always find me in the Party at Kitchens

We all know that sinking feeling. Trapped by someone at a social occasion who has one topic of conversation; their new fitted kitchen. One must not act out individual rebellion nor be rude, but turn the conversation to the Frankfurt Kitchen and the necessity of good quality housing for all. Social conditions have changed. WhileContinue reading “You’ll always find me in the Party at Kitchens”

Ornament and Crime

The West End of Frankfurt is opulent and partly gated. The atmosphere is sedate and filled with the exalted breath of those who know they have money power. There is a great sense of private property and I feel conspicuous taking photographs. Do they imagine I am a master criminal planning an elaborate heist? ItContinue reading “Ornament and Crime”

Sketches of Offenbach

Making sketches can be a useful way to understand buildings. One tends to notice more because concentration is granted to the subject. One slowly improves and gets to the end with more or less the correct number of doors and windows, no floors missing and the roof and the walls joining together. Being in theContinue reading “Sketches of Offenbach”

Heimat Siedlung

Kubler suggests that architecture is like an envelope. This is a useful, if partial, analogy. But let us take this idea of ‘envelope’ for a moment. An envelope suggests something that is wrapped around and contained, secure, private and that it prevents the contents being revealed. This is not actually what Kubler means, he isContinue reading “Heimat Siedlung”

The Modern Lovers

I have visited the Städel Museum in Frankfurt am Main on several occasions It is a favourite space and something new is always discovered. But bizarrely I have only just discovered there is a basement full of ‘modern’ or ‘contemporary’ art. Is it new? I dare not enquire for fear of further embarrassment. It generallyContinue reading “The Modern Lovers”

Von Offenbach nach Sachsenhausen

The next day, I decided to go for a further walk. But first I did some shopping at the local supermarket and the baker’s. I have been reading Marshall Berman’s All That is Solid Melts into Air. The opening chapter which deals with Goethe’s Faust is densely packed with ideas and hints and suggestions. IContinue reading “Von Offenbach nach Sachsenhausen”

IG Farben Building

I thought for a change to spend the day in Frankfurt am Main. I took the S bahn to the Hauptbanhof and then walked around the West End. There are many examples of bourgeois modernism and Gründerzeit (used as an architectural period). The IG Farben Building has a complex history, but as with most buildingsContinue reading “IG Farben Building”

EFFY-N Bulk Carrier (general cargo)

The ship’s voyage since the beginning of June includes Durban, Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay in South Africa. Then to Rotterdam Botlek and on to St Petersburg. It is now on its way to Iskenderun in Turkey. Iskenderun is a major port and industrial centre with a large steel plant. It is close to theContinue reading “EFFY-N Bulk Carrier (general cargo)”