Technically
this building should be called the German Pavilion in Barcelona, since it
was constructed as a temporary building for the International Exposition
in Barcelona of 1929. Though temporary, it was still made of permanent materials--steel,
glass, marble, and travertine.
Like
a Greek temple, the pavilion is raised on a base, in this case of travertine.
The main building is on the right half of the base; an oblong reflecting
pool and smaller building are on the left half.
The
staircase--main entrance
Views of the right
half
The single story building has no real function--it is the exhibit. The
plan is asymmetric and fluid with a continuous flow of space. Wall partitions
are made of both transparent and opaque glass as well as highly polished
marble. The low flat roof is supported by delicate metal supports. As
has often been noted, the building has a kind of classical serenity.