This book presents a review of the work of the architect Michael Balz, pioneer of concrete-shell architecture. It discusses his projects, both realized and unbuilt, many being designed in collaboration with the renowned Swiss engineer Heinz Isler.
Profusely illustrated with original drawings and photographs, Michael Balz: Shells and Visions caters to the increasing interest in the design and construction of free-form reinforced concrete shells consequent on the advent of 3D modelling and form-finding software. The book describes architectural designs and practical construction issues to motivate contemporary shell designers.
Balz’s experience of dealing with such difficulties as incompatibility with non-structural features and the insertion of windows into shells, and the assessment of buildings’ long-term performance allow readers to learn more easily how to cope with such issues in their own work.
The book introduces Michael Balz, his early work with other architects, including his work on pneumatic forms with Frei Otto, and his evolution into an exponent of organic architecture. It then discusses completed projects, including the outdoor Theater unter den Kuppeln (1976), Ballettsaal (1979) and Balz House (1981). Competitions Balz entered and unrealized shell projects also receive attention, as does his work on the urban scale, highlighting conceptual designs of mega-cities. His visionary megastructures encourage the exploration of innovative solutions for city spaces by architects faced with today’s increased urbanization.
Michael Balz: Shells and Visions will be of interest to students and professionals in the fields of architecture, structural engineering, building and urban design. It’s reflections on the cultural and contextual aspects of Balz’s work will help the architectural historian to appreciate its long-term significance.
Author(s): John Chilton
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 230
City: Cham
Preface
Contents
List of Figures
1 Introduction: Biographical Sketch
Abstract
1.1 Early Years
1.2 Entering Practice
1.3 First Shell Explorations
1.4 Freelance Collaborations
1.5 Individual Projects
1.6 Shells and Visions
1.7 Relationship with the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS)
1.7.1 Tsuboi Award
1.7.2 IASS Structural Morphology Group
1.7.3 Executive Council and Advisory Board
References
2 Evolution/Organic Architecture
Abstract
2.1 Introduction: Organic Architecture
2.2 Urschalen (Primitive or Proto-Shells)
2.3 Collaboration with Heinz Isler
2.4 Geborgenes Wohnen heute und morgen: neue Wohnformen: neue Baumethoden (Secure Living Today and Tomorrow: New Forms of Housing: New Construction Methods)
2.4.1 Was sind menschliche Wohnformen? (How Would One Define Human Habitation?)
2.4.2 Was ist Geborgenheit? (What Is Security?)
2.4.3 Die Aufgabe (The Task)
2.4.4 Die Zukunft (The Future)
2.4.5 Eine Bauweise heute (Construction Today)
2.4.6 Die Entwurfsmethode (Design Method)
2.4.7 Der Übergang zur Natur (Link to the Natural Environment)
2.4.8 Der Eingang (The Entrance)
2.4.9 Eine kleine Landschaft zum Wohnen! (A Small Landscape for Living!)
2.4.10 Die geschlossene Ruhezone (The Closed Rest Zone)
2.4.11 Die praktischer Arbeitsraum (The Practical Workspace)
2.4.12 Minimaler Materialaufwand (Minimal Material Consumption)
2.5 Living Shell Projects
2.5.1 Private Client, 1968
2.5.2 House for Heinz and Maria Isler (1972–73)
2.5.3 Bio-segment
2.5.4 Isler ‘Bubble System AG’
2.6 A Future for Living Shells?
References
3 Built Shells
Abstract
3.1 Inspiration
3.2 Zuschauer Halle/Kuppel (Auditorium), Theater unter den Kuppeln (Theatre under the Domes), Stetten auf den Fildern, Near Stuttgart (1976)
3.3 Naturtheater, Grötzingen, Aichtal, Germany (1977–78)
3.3.1 Form-Finding of the Shell
3.3.2 Shell Construction
3.3.3 Architectural and Aesthetic Considerations
3.4 Ballettsaal (Ballet Salon), Stetten (1979)
3.5 Musical-Saal (Musical Salon), Stetten (1988–1989)
3.6 Europa-Park, in Rust (1992): Entrance Canopies
3.7 Carport Prototype Developed with Willi Bösiger SA, Langenthal, Switzerland (1992)
3.8 Reflection
References
4 Balz House, Stetten auf den Fildern Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Near Stuttgart (1980)
Abstract
4.1 Introduction
4.2 First Encounter
4.3 Finding the Form
4.4 Accommodation
4.5 Construction: Forming the Shell
4.6 The Interior
4.7 Keeping It Warm: The Thermal System
4.8 Thermal Comfort
4.9 Durability
4.10 Living in the Balz House
4.11 Architectural and Social Significance
4.12 Embodied Energy
4.13 Operational Energy
4.14 Final Thoughts…
References
5 Competitions
Abstract
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Evangelical Lutheran Church, Heilbronn (1967)
5.3 Haus der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (German National Museum of Contemporary History), Bonn (1985)
5.3.1 Introduction
5.3.2 Shell Roofs
5.3.3 Internal Planning
5.3.4 Appreciation
5.4 Badezentrum Sindelfingen (Thermal Baths), Böblingen (1983)
5.4.1 Introduction
5.4.2 Thermal Baths
5.4.3 Shell Roof
5.5 German Pavilion, Expo’2000, Hanover (1997)
5.5.1 Introduction
5.5.2 Proposed Pavilion
5.5.3 Internal Planning
5.5.4 Aesthetic Considerations
5.6 Hegau Auto Rast: Motorway Service Area, Near Engen (1997)
5.6.1 Introduction
5.6.2 Competition Entry
5.7 Epilogue
References
6 Unrealized Shell Projects
Abstract
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Tropicana, Lucerne (1979)
6.3 Atelier and Office Building for Willi Bösiger AG Langenthal, Switzerland (1986)
6.4 Wallwitzhafen Dessau: Freizeit Park (Leisure Park) (1992–93)
6.5 Thane, Near Mumbai, India: Modular Dwelling Units (1994) and Cosmo Ville, Amenities Centre (1995)
6.5.1 Flower House, Modular Dwelling
6.5.2 Cosmo Ville, Thane, India (1995)
6.6 Heliopolis University, Shell of Peace, Cairo, Egypt (2016)
6.7 Skateboarding Club (2016)
6.8 Street Bar, Stuttgart (2017)
6.9 Why Have These Projects Not Been Built?
References
7 Urban Space Structures
Abstract
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Project ‘Stuttgart 2000’ (1965–1982)
7.3 Cityscape Visions
7.4 Building Today
7.5 Opportunities for a New Construction Industry
7.6 Space Above the Land
7.7 Housing Units for Spatial Urban Structures
7.8 Supporting Bridge Structures
7.9 Feasibility of the Megastructures
7.10 The Spatial City
7.11 Concerning the Responsibility of the Designers
7.12 Is This the Future for an Urbanized Society?
References
8 Timeline and Postscript
Abstract
8.1 Timeline
8.2 Postscript
8.3 Not Luxurious Expensive Dreams…
8.4 There Are No Limits
References
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