#otto steidle

Otto Steidle

I have always been fascinated with a residential complex at Genter Strasse in Munich, a rare example of structuralist architecture in Germany designed by Otto Steidle with Doris and Ralph Thut completed in 1972. Otto Steidle’s (1943-2004) was a very interesting protagonist of German postwar architecture whose work is characterized by a particular focus on inhabitants and their individuality: his buildings aren’t designed towards maximum determination but consciously leave free spaces even for interfering elements that other architects would throw their hands up in horror about. In the present little book entitled “Land Stadt Haus” and published in 2003 Steidle along his own designs explains in very plain words what they are about and what he tried to achieve with them. Although I don’t admire each of his buildings I do think that his approach is very relevant, even more so in view of today’s constantly declining building culture. A valuable little book.

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