Günter Behnisch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Günter Behnisch
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | June 12, 1922 Lockwitz, Germany
|
| Died | July 12, 2010 (aged 88) |
| Nationality | German |
| Alma mater | Technical University in Stuttgart |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Practice | Behnisch & Partner |
Günter Behnisch (born June 12, 1922, died July 12, 2010) was a famous German architect. He was born in Lockwitz, a town near Dresden. During World War II, he was one of the youngest submarine commanders.
After the war, Behnisch became known for his unique architectural style. This style is sometimes called deconstructivism. Some of his most famous buildings are the Olympic Park in Munich and the German parliament building in Bonn.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Günter Behnisch was born in Lockwitz, near Dresden. He was the second of three children. His family moved often because his father, who was a Social Democrat, faced problems from the new Nazi government.
In 1939, when he was 17, Behnisch joined the navy. This was a way to avoid other types of required service. He became a U-boat officer and later, in 1944, one of the youngest U-boat commanders. At the end of World War II, he surrendered his submarine to the British and became a prisoner of war.
After the war, Behnisch first trained as a bricklayer. Then, in 1947, he began studying architecture. He attended the Technical University in Stuttgart.
Architectural Career Highlights
Behnisch started his own architecture firm in Stuttgart in 1952. In 1966, his firm became known as Behnisch & Partner. He became famous for designing buildings that looked different and modern.
One of his most important buildings was the new parliament building in Bonn. Bonn was the capital of West Germany at the time. Behnisch won the design competition in 1973. Construction started in 1987 and finished in 1992.
His son, Stefan Behnisch, also became an architect. Stefan started his own separate firm, Behnisch Architekten, in 1989.
Notable Projects by Günter Behnisch
- 1972: Olympic Park in Munich, Germany. This park was built for the Olympic Games.
- 1992: Plenary Complex of the German Parliament (Bundestag) in Bonn, Germany. This is where the German parliament met.
- 1993-2005: Academy of Arts Building in central Berlin. This was a large glass addition to a reconstructed hotel.
- 1997: State Clearing Bank – Landesgirokasse in Stuttgart, Germany.
- 1998: Control tower at Nuremberg Airport, Germany.
- 2002: North German State Clearing Bank in Hanover, Germany.
- 2003: Genzyme Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
- 2005: Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research in Toronto, Canada.
See also
In Spanish: Günter Behnisch para niños
