Fassaden Flimmern

The “Haus des Rundfunks” in Berlin (built 1929 -1931) united the three broadcasting stations active in Berlin on the site near the radio tower built in 1926. It was built as the head building of the so-called “Poelzig-Eies” and fulfilled completely new usage requirements for the time: In addition to the administrative and office building, it was primarily necessary to create radio technical uses such as a recording and broadcasting hall. However, the ceramic facade of the Haus des Rundfunks remains unique in architectural history. Its austerity and systematics very discreetly reveal the complexity from which it draws its liveliness but also diversity in color and motifs. 14 short texts by different authors from today and contemporary reviews from the 1930s illustrate this.

In 62 color photographs, art historian and artist Kris Heide analyzes the fascinating effect of the facade made of multicolored iridescent ceramic plates. Using other photographs of her own, as well as historical black-and-white photographs, she documents and interprets the building into a work of art. The book’s title is inspired by Paul Westheim’s 1930 phrase: “It is especially charming when the sun is over the building and the glaze begins to flicker in ever-changing hues.” Unaware of this statement, unsuspectingly choosing exactly this light situation, Kris Heide made the same observation 90 years later.