Standing before us is the Behrens-Bau Turm und Brücke. This isn’t just a building. It is a symbol of industrial might and architectural innovation. The Technical Administration Building of Hoechst AG. It’s an expressionist masterpiece by architect Peter Behrens. It’s located in Frankfurt-Höchst. Now known as the Peter Behrens Building, it stands on the site of the former Hoechst company.
Let’s delve into the story of this iconic structure. The Behrens-Bau Turm und Brücke gained worldwide fame. It was featured in the Hoechst company’s logo from 1947 to 1997. This logo showcased the building’s tower and bridge in a stylized form.
The building is divided into two three-story administrative wings. A representative entrance area features a distinctive tower and bridge. These elements are linked to the former central office building of Hoechst. Access is limited. It’s located within the industrial park’s cordoned-off area.
In June 1920, Hoechst’s Executive Board decided to consolidate its technical departments. These departments were scattered across various locations. They planned a prestigious new building on Mainzer Landstrasse. It is now Brünningstraße. The facade was planned to be at least 150 meters long. Peter Behrens was commissioned. He quickly produced initial designs. By September 14, 1920, a contract was signed. Construction began in January 1921 with the demolition of older buildings.
By the end of 1921, the building’s shell was largely complete. Further work was delayed. Hyperinflation and the occupation by French troops halted construction. Work resumed after the introduction of the Rentenmark in April 1924. The formal opening occurred on June 6, 1924.
In 1925, the Hoechst dye works merged with other chemical companies. This formed IG Farben. The building’s importance diminished. In 1930, administration moved to the new IG Farben Building in Frankfurt’s West End. During the 1930s, internal alterations were made. The exhibition hall became a telephone exchange. The marble hall was divided into offices.
World War II left the Hoechst site largely intact. However, a 1940 air raid damaged the lecture hall. It was repaired during the war. It was renovated in the 1950s.
In June 1952, IG Farben was released from Allied control. The company was divided into successor companies. Hoechst AG was among them. In 1954, Brünningstraße was closed to public traffic.
In 1965, all buildings at the Hoechst works received new names. The Behrens building became C 770. The central office became D 706. The Behrens building housed the personnel department.
In 1994, Hoechst AG began its conversion into a holding company. Since January 1, 1998, Infraserv GmbH & Co. Höchst KG has owned the Behrens building. This company operates the Industriepark Höchst. An extensive restoration began in 1998. The facade was cleaned. Windows and building services were replaced. The restoration concluded in 2002. In 2005, the auditorium was modernized. The Marble Hall was renovated.
Today, the Behrens-Bau Turm und Brücke houses the management of Infraserv Höchst. It also houses the Hoechst pension fund. While not generally open to the public, guided tours are available on specific days.
The Behrens-Bau Turm und Brücke showcases brick expressionism. This is evident in its external and internal architecture. The building’s colors reflect the client. Crystal motifs appear in windows and lamps. Stained glass windows echo the De Stijl artistic movement. Craftsmanship is evident throughout the building. Many components were finished by hand.
The facade uses different colored bricks. Behrens divided the 185-meter long building into three sections. The entrance building features a fortress-like wall. The tower and bridge are key elements. The tower was intended to signal shift changes with chimes. The main entrance features stone lions. They bear the arms of the Meister, Lucius & Brüning company.
Inside, the main hall resembles a basilica. The transept provides a contrast to the impressive main hall. The hall’s height is visually stretched. An alternate color scheme counteracts the upper masonry’s massiveness. The lecture hall was rebuilt in the 1950s style after being damaged in the war. The Marble Hall featured travertine wall cladding.
The Behrens-Bau Turm und Brücke stands as a testament to architectural vision. It reflects industrial history. Its design and details tell a story of innovation. It is a landmark that continues to inspire.