Hans Auer facts for kids
Hans Wilhelm Auer (born April 26, 1847, died August 30, 1906) was a famous architect. He was from both Switzerland and Austria. He is most known for designing the Swiss Federal Palace (Bundeshaus) in Bern. This important building was built between 1894 and 1902.
Hans Auer was born in Wädenswil, Switzerland. He studied architecture with famous teachers. First, he learned from Gottfried Semper at ETH Zurich. Later, he worked with Theophil Hansen in Vienna. In 1887, Auer started his own architecture business. He had a busy career. He worked as an architect, a teacher, and a thinker about architecture. He passed away in Konstanz, Germany.
Hans Auer's Architectural Ideas
Hans Auer believed in something called "architectural realism." This was a way of thinking about architecture that became important in the 1880s. Auer and other architects like Constantin Lipsius wanted to make new buildings better. They thought about the meaning of old classical designs.
What is Architectural Realism?
Architectural realism meant looking closely at old buildings. Architects wanted to understand how different parts of buildings developed over time. For example, Auer wrote a detailed study about the triglyph in 1880. A triglyph is a decorative block often found in ancient Greek temples.
This careful study helped architects like Auer. It allowed them to create new designs. They did not just copy old styles exactly. Instead, they found new ways to be creative.
Space in Architecture
Auer also had a special idea about architectural space. He thought that the way space is used in a building is very important. He believed it was a key part of a building's style. He also thought it showed how architecture changed over time. He shared this idea in 1883. Later, an art historian named August Schmarsow also wrote about this in 1893.
His Most Famous Work: The Federal Palace
Hans Auer's most famous design is the Swiss Federal Palace. This building is also known as the Bundeshaus. It is located in Bern, Switzerland. It is where the Swiss government meets. Auer designed this important building between 1894 and 1902.
