Olympia Munich 1972 - Architecture, landscape and image of the Federal Republic of Germany in context of the sixties and the early seventies

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Elisabeth Spieker
• Subject Area: Architecture, Building and Construction History, Construction Research, Sustainable Building Technology
• Term: from 2010 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 151840046

The Munich Olympic grounds and buildings of 1972 belong to the most important highlights of the post-war modernity by which Germany could take its place among the leading nations of architecture.As a symbol and model for a re-designed Germany they reflect the radical social change as well as contemporary architectural form of appearance of the sixties. At the same time they give landmarking and innovative impulses for future developments. So far the architectural history of the sixties was only examined in attempted starts. Questions of background and for the push in quality, and development created by them as well as the cultural change of image indicate these installations as an urgent desiderationfor research.The goal of the project is the evaluation of so far hardly used sources, and to research the prerequisites for the formation of model character (Leitbildcharakter) of architecture, landscape, and visual appearances. Over and above ist has to show the lasting consequences in various domains. As a first step the conditions of development of the different components have to be established from the sources. The guideline for the examination are intentions and goals of the planning organizers in respect of the outward image of the Federal Republic of Germany. Special focus shall be put on the elimination of the negative image of the Games of 1936, and the positional effect within the actual development of architecture in the sixties, and the references to the exemplary. As a second step the consequences of different creative sections, their potential and their innovative power shall be examined. Another aspect treats the signification of the inter-disciplinary performance and the involvement of the planners, architects and engineers who originate predominantly from the context of the so-called Zweite Stuttgarter Schule.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants