Stirling in Stuttgart

Snapshots from a recent whirl through Stuttgart.

Atmospheres: New Palace from the park in the center of the city

Stirling's Staatsgalerie stands on a plinth above a highway-like avenue.

James Stirling's Neue Staatsgalerie (1984) is probably the best work of Post Modernism, period. It holds its attraction over time, and rewards visits with many fascinating quirks. It also enters in multiple dialogues with the city's other monuments, including the 1922 train station by Paul Bonatz -- an important reference for conservative Madrid modernists in the 1920's and 30's -- and the various Neoclassical and Romantic-Classical piles scattered around the palace park.

The continuation of the ramp in the rotunda out the back

And the back of the building

Paul Bonatz, Stuttgart Main Train Station, 1922

Not too many of my pictures came out well, which is why there are so few. Sorry for the poor quality -- I guess it's time to invest in a better camera.

Let's Twist

Architectural Record's annual Record Houses issue this month features my article on a house outside Stuttgart by Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos of UNStudio.

My take on the work is as an update on the New York Five with digital warping added to the play of line, plane and curve of mechanical drafting.

"There's a swirl at the center of UNStudio's House Beside a Vineyard outside Stuttgart, or what principal Ben van Berkel calls “the twist.” Two flights of stairs run diagonally across the square floor plan, crossing over each other in a single, fluid motion as they rise from the ground-floor entry to the living area and up to the gallery and master bedroom. The dynamic energy they impart sets the open living spaces into motion and directs visitors toward the cozy, glazed corners with views.... "

Full text, pictures and plans available here.
Photo from the article by Iwan Baan