Rising majestically before us stands the Tagblatt-Turm. Its stark lines a testament to the New Objectivity style. This isn’t just any building. This is Stuttgart’s first skyscraper. Built in 1928 it was once the tallest in South Germany.
The Tagblatt-Turm. A functional building its architect Ernst Otto Osswald called a Zweckbau. He envisioned spaces that were economical healthy and pleasant. Imagine the conversations that took place during its construction. The debates amongst the city’s inhabitants. Many complained about its austere look. This imposing structure stood tall in a conservatively Swabian medieval town center.
Initially home to the Stuttgarter Neues Tagblatt newspaper the Tagblatt-Turm takes its name from this tenant. After World War II it housed other newspapers. Today this 61-meter high landmark has found a new purpose. Eighteen floors now contain offices and a vibrant cultural center called Kultur unterm Turm. The tri-Buehne theatre the Junges Ensemble JES and the FITS Figurentheater Stuttgart all call this place home.
But the Tagblatt-Turm holds more than just historical significance. It boasts a unique feature. Did you know it was one of the first high-rises built from exposed concrete? This innovative material was groundbreaking for its time. Another remarkable fact. In 1927 the building incorporated the world’s tallest paternoster lift. A marvel of engineering for its era. Its advanced features extended beyond the lift. It featured hot water heating double windows a garbage chute and even a letter drop directly into the Reichspost box in the lobby. The level of functionality was unparalleled.
The Tagblatt-Turm’s striking silhouette continues to shape Stuttgart’s skyline. Originally illuminated by neon tubes in 1928. They were removed in the 1960s. It was not until 2005 that this iconic nighttime illumination was restored. This time with 350 meters of fiber optic cables. This 20th century architectural landmark was designated a cultural monument in 1978. Its history is a reflection of Stuttgart’s growth its architectural innovation and its embrace of cultural expression. The Tagblatt-Turm stands as a symbol of the city’s rich past and its vibrant future. So let’s soak it all in. A true testament to time.