'Tiles (dis)covered'
Research on hidden treasures – Colognian post war fassades
Cologne international school of Design
2019
The facade is the public face of a building, reflecting how inhabitants as well as the state want to be seen, yet still providing privacy. This research-project speculates post war Kölsch facades as an embodiment of the city’s identity.
Colognian post war facades are above average covered in tiles. „Ugly“ at first sight, reasons for the descision and unique aesthetic were explored and documented in this project.
After 95% of the city got des- troyed during WWII, new buildings were supposed to form the cities and countries future Identity. The design had to be modest, modern and unique at the same time and, furthermore, represent the country’s and citizens’ state of mind. Wanting to leave the past behind, the streets were supposed to look clean and fresh. Their look implements not only hygiene, but innocence and a wish to be free from any guilt. All these emotions can be found in Colognian facades when looking closer.
With the choice of the pure tiles image, even remaining historical buildings got partly or completely covered. Longing for purification became tangible in tiled facades.
The visual research came to-gether in the exhibition Tiles (dis)covered.