Centennial Hall in Wrocław - Zabytek.pl
Centennial Hall in Wrocław
Address
Wrocław
Location
voivodeship dolnośląskie,
county Wrocław,
commune Wrocław
The Centennial Hall is an outstanding example of early Modernism and the innovative use of reinforced concrete structures in the building industry. At the time of its construction, it was the largest ever reinforced concrete dome in the world. It played a significant role in the creation of a new technological solution of high aesthetic value, which became an important point of reference in the design of public spaces and in the further evolution of this technology. Drawing on historical forms, the building at the same time was a pioneering design responding to emerging social needs, including an assembly hall, an auditorium, dramatic performances an exhibition space and a sports venue The building is a significant watershed in the history of Modern architecture.
The Exhibition Grounds, whose main feature the Centennial Hall, stands at the intersection of its principal axes, constitute an integral spatial whole. They were designed jointly by Max Berg and Hans Poelzig. On the west side of the Centennial Hall there is a monumental square modelled on the ancient forum, which is preceded by the colonnade (built in 1925) of the main entrance. To the north of the square stands the Pavilion of the Historical and Artistic Exhibition, now known as the Four Domes Pavilion, which was built in 1912–1913 to a design by Hans Poelzig. In the northern part of the Exhibition Grounds stands a concrete pergola enclosing a pond. It is separated from the Centennial Hall by a building housing a restaurant with an open terrace.
The design of the Exhibition Grounds combined new elements with the southern part of the 19th-century Szczytnicki Park, which was used as the setting for thematic garden exhibitions, such as the Japanese Garden, as well as for the temporary Exhibition of Cemetery Art, an extant reminder of which is an 18th-century wooden church relocated from Upper Silesia in 1912.
Criterion (i): The Centennial Hall in Wrocław is a creative and innovative example in the development of construction technology in large reinforced concrete structures. The Centennial Hall occupies a key position in the evolution of methods of reinforcement used in architecture, and represents one of the climax points in the history of the use of metal in structural consolidation.
Criterion (ii): The Centennial Hall is a pioneering work of Modern engineering and architecture, which exhibits an important interchange of influences in the early 20th century, becoming a key reference in the later development of reinforced concrete structures.
Criterion (iv): As part of the Exhibition Grounds of Wroclaw, the Centennial Hall is an outstanding example of Modern recreational architecture that served a variety of purposes, ranging from hosting conferences and exhibitions to concerts, theatre and opera.
Category: cultural
Building material:
stone
Protection: UNESCO World Heritage
Inspire id: PL.1.9.ZIPOZ.NID_N_02_UN.54