Simple. Functional. Affordable. Right here at the Ernst-May-Haus, these words aren’t just descriptions. They are a philosophy brought to life.
The Ernst-May-Haus offers you a trip back to the late 1920s. Frankfurt faced a severe housing shortage after World War I. Ernst May, an architect and urban planner, stepped up. He spearheaded the “New Frankfurt” initiative. May had numerous housing estates built in the functional Bauhaus style. His goal was to counteract the housing crisis.
The Romerstadt neighborhood, where we stand, was part of this vision. The Ernst-May-Haus embodies the architectural principles of early modernism. Buildings had to be simple. They had to be functional. Affordability was key.
Ernst May served as the head of settlements for Frankfurt from 1925 to 1930. He implemented a housing settlement project. It provided affordable residences. Residents enjoyed air, light, and open space.
The “New Frankfurt” became one of the Weimar Republic’s most comprehensive building programs. It created groundbreaking settlements. Approximately 15000 residences were built. Renowned architects like Walter Gropius contributed. The functional design set standards still followed today.
Notice the two-story terraced house. It has been restored to its original state. It shows early modernism’s architectural principles. The Ernst May Society meticulously restored this house. They wanted to document May’s work.
Now, let’s talk about the interior. Step inside and witness the “Frankfurt Kitchen”. Margarete Schutte-Lihotzky, an Austrian architect, created the world’s first fitted kitchen. The Frankfurt Kitchen exemplifies functional design. It aimed to make housework more efficient.
May’s concept transformed urban living. It shaped private lifestyles. His streamlined construction process quickly relieved the housing shortage.
The settlements along the Nidda Valley are internationally respected today. Romerstadt, Westhausen in Praunheim, and Hohenblick are examples of early modernism. These settlements stand alongside the Weissenhof Settlement in Stuttgart and the Bauhaus in Dessau. They showcase innovative design and social responsibility.
The Ernst-May-Haus displays objects from the “New Frankfurt” era. These items recreate the original condition. You can see May’s vision firsthand. The house at Im Burgfeld 136 was completed in 2010. It opened to the public.
Ernst May’s contribution extends beyond architecture. He addressed social needs. His work considered the well-being of the population. The Ernst-May-Haus stands as a testament to his achievements. It highlights the “New Frankfurt’s” accomplishments.
So, as you explore the Ernst-May-Haus remember its core message. Architecture can be simple, functional, and affordable. It can improve people’s lives.