The drawing of the 'Redesign of the Bülowplatz' (including the Babylon Cinema and housing) by Hans Poelzig, between 1928-1929, offers a stunning glimpse into the architectural ambition and urban transformation of 1920s Berlin. This particular perspective view of Block 14 rendered in coal, shows Poelzig’s vision for the redesign of Berlin’s Scheunenviertel district. As one of the leading architects of the time, Poelzig’s design for the Bülowplatz, the Babylon Cinema and the housing redefined and modernized Berlin. Why We Picked ItPoelzig had a remarkable ability to blend functionality with artistic expression in a way that few of his contemporaries could match. Poelzig’s use of materials, from his dramatic play with light and space to his incorporation of new industrial techniques, reflects the lightness and airiness that characterized much of his architecture. His buildings float and interact with their environment, embodying a sense of optimism and forward-thinking energyNotable ContextThe Babylon Lichtspielhaus was part of a larger urban redevelopment project in the Scheunenviertel, near Bülowplatz, aimed at revitalizing the area following the damage and disrepair of the post-World War I era. Poelzig’s design integrated both a modern cinema and new residential buildings, reflecting the increasing importance of cinema as a central cultural experience in the 1920s. The Babylon became not only an architectural icon but also a place that embodied the progressive and dynamic spirit of the Weimar Republic. The work perfectly captures the shifting dynamics of Berlin in the late 1920s—a city straddling the tension between the progressive, often radical spirit of the avant-garde and the more practical, immediate needs of an urban metropolis recovering from the chaos of war. About the ArtistHans Poelzig (1869–1936) was a German architect and expressionist designer known for his innovative and often dramatic approach to modern architecture. Trained at the Technical University of Berlin, Poelzig worked across a range of architectural styles but is perhaps best remembered for his contributions to Expressionist architecture, which emphasized emotional impact, geometric abstraction, and the sculptural potential of space. His work, like that of many architects during the Weimar Republic, sought to address the social and cultural upheaval of post-World War I Germany. Notable for his bold, imaginative use of materials and striking forms, Poelzig’s designs often pushed the boundaries of conventional architecture. His legacy extends beyond individual buildings—he influenced the development of German architecture and left an indelible mark on the city's evolving urban landscape.
