From glazing bars to elements – Development of aluminum curtain walls in the post-war decades

Aluminum curtain walls in Germany from the post-war decades have been subject of renovation, demolition and renewal for some years. The public awareness of these aging objects is increasing, as some have been placed under protection as architectural monuments. However, it can also be noted that many buildings are being torn down or renovated without being recorded, regardless of their protection, which means that many facade structures are irretrievably lost. A large number of facade systems have been developed in the post-war years of the 20th century, and aluminum was increasingly used. The development of these facades in regard to construction, materiality and planning will be investigated using the extensive scope of projects by the Bavarian company Josef Gartner from Gundelfingen an der Donau. Delienated in a catalogue raisonné, the key role of this company for the development of curtain wall facades in the second half of the last century will be analyzed.

Rouven Grom M.A. (Arch) TUM
seit 2021