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Behrens' masterpiece: A look at industrial architecture in Frankfurt!
Discover Bad Kreuznach: Insights into Peter Behrens' architecture and the importance of his work for industry.
Behrens' masterpiece: A look at industrial architecture in Frankfurt!
On December 22, 2025, a double feature dedicated to the life and work of the architect Peter Behrens will be shown in the cinema. Under the title “Peter Behrens – From the sketchpad to Alexanderplatz", the first part examines the development of Behrens' architecture. Here, recordings and interviews are combined to show the exciting journey from Art Nouveau ornaments to the objectivity of industrial architecture. The focus is on the surprising implementations and pioneering approaches that Behrens pursued in his work. The documentary gives the viewer a deep insight into his important role as a pioneer of modern architecture in the 20th century.
The second part of the program, “Converted light – manifestos of industrial architecture", is dedicated to the administrative building of Hoechst AG in Frankfurt, which was completed in 1924. The building has become known for its striking architectural elements such as the striking tower and the eye-catching bridge, which even found their place in the Hoechst AG company logo. The house, also colloquially known as “Converted Light”, became world famous and still shapes the cityscape today. Its angular shape, inspired by castles, is a sign of Behrens’ innovative approach to industrial buildings.
Architecture and monument protection
The Peter Behrens building, built between 1920 and 1924, is not only seen as the technical administration building of the former Hoechst AG, but is also part of the Industrial Heritage Route and protected as an industrial monument. Special features such as the spectral-colored atrium dominated by three crystal-like glass domes, as well as the interplay of colors and shapes in the dome-shaped hall make it a popular destination for those interested in architecture. The exhibition hall was restored in 2008 and can be visited on free guided tours that take place once a year.
But Behrens' influence extends far beyond his own buildings. He played a crucial role in the architectural movement that led Germany from an agrarian society to urban modernity. This development was significantly influenced by urbanization, which between 1871 and 1914 ensured that the proportion of the city's population rose from 36% to around 60%. While England tackled the problems of the Industrial Revolution 50 years earlier, traces of this transformation that Behrens helped shape can still be found in Germany today.
An example of this forward-looking thinking is the garden city movement that began in the early 1900s. The aim was to enable healthier living conditions by creating garden cities for workers. Behrens' architecture not only supports the combination of aesthetics and functionality, but also represents the social changes that took place during this time.
In summary, the double feature not only shows Peter Behrens' impressive buildings, but also reflects the social and cultural context in which his works were created. A visit to the cinemas where these exciting documentaries are shown is worthwhile not only for architecture fans, but for everyone who wants to experience the interaction of art, technology and society in the 20th century.