Fagus Factory in Alfeld in Germany

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
UNESCO-Welterbe Fagus-Werk (in German)
Fagus GreCon

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2011
Size of heritage: 1.88 ha
- Buffer zone: 19 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 9,811°
Latitude: 51,984°

Summary

Fagus Factory in Alfeld is a 10-building complex - began around 1910 to the design of Walter Gropius, which is a landmark in the development of modern architecture and industrial design. Serving all stages of manufacture, storage and dispatch of lasts used by the shoe industry, the complex, which is still operational today, is situated in Alfeld an der Leine in Lower Saxony. With its groundbreaking vast expanses of glass panels and functionalist aesthetics, the complex foreshadowed the work of the Bauhaus school and is a landmark in the development of architecture in Europe and North America.

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The Fagus Factory in Alfeld, Germany

The Fagus Factory, located in Alfeld, Germany, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and architectural significance. Designed by the renowned architect Walter Gropius, this factory complex is considered a pioneering masterpiece of modern industrial architecture.

History

The Fagus Factory was constructed between 1911 and 1913 for the Fagus shoe last company, which specialized in manufacturing wooden shoe lasts. Gropius, along with his partner Adolf Meyer, was commissioned to design a factory that would reflect the company's innovative spirit and modern approach to industrial production.

Gropius's design for the Fagus Factory was groundbreaking for its time. It embraced the principles of the emerging modernist movement, characterized by simplicity, functionality, and the use of new materials such as glass and steel. The factory's design incorporated large glass surfaces, open floor plans, and a steel skeleton structure, which allowed for maximum natural light and efficient use of space.

Notably, the Fagus Factory was one of the first buildings to employ curtain wall construction, where the exterior walls are non-structural and made primarily of glass. This innovative technique revolutionized architectural design and became a hallmark of modernist architecture.

Current State

Today, the Fagus Factory stands as a testament to the early days of modern industrial architecture. It has been meticulously preserved and restored, allowing visitors to experience the factory's original design and atmosphere.

The factory complex consists of several interconnected buildings, including the main production hall, administrative offices, and a warehouse. The main production hall, with its iconic glass façade, remains the focal point of the site. Inside, visitors can explore the spacious and light-filled interior, which showcases the factory's innovative design and functional layout.

The Fagus Factory also houses a museum that provides a comprehensive overview of the factory's history, architecture, and its impact on modernist design. The museum features a collection of photographs, drawings, and artifacts that highlight the factory's significance in the development of industrial architecture.