Göttingen railway station stands as a primary example of the work produced by Conrad Wilhelm Hase during his tenure as a construction manager for the Royal Hanoverian State Railways. A figure central to German architecture throughout the nineteenth century, his practice spanned over three hundred and forty distinct building projects and more than one hundred and fifty restoration initiatives.
Early Training and Education
Born in 1818 in Einbeck as one of ten children, Hase began his formal architectural studies in Hanover in 1834. Following a period of limited employment prospects, he undertook an apprenticeship in bricklaying with Christoph August Gersting, passing his journeyman's examination in 1840. This practical foundation was followed by an observation tour across Germany and studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, supported by a scholarship from his hometown.
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In 1842, Hase joined Gersting's firm, soon securing a significant position with the Royal Hanoverian State Railways. By 1848, he began restoration work at Loccum Abbey, an experience that focused his career trajectory. He joined the faculty of the Technical University of Hanover, where his pupils included architects such as Edwin Oppler, Heinrich Gerber, Wilhelm Walter, Georg Kegel, and Richard Kampf. He also served as a founding member of the Architects and Engineers' Association.
Architectural Output and Public Recognition
Over the course of his career, Hase planned and designed more than 340 buildings, including over 100 structures of a sacred nature. His contributions were acknowledged through numerous honors, including the Royal Decoration of the Cross of Merit of the Welfs in 1864, the Order of the Crown in 1879, the Saxe-Ernestine House Order in 1892, and the Order of the Red Eagle, 2nd Class, in 1894. He was also named an honorary citizen of Hildesheim.
Personal Life and Final Years
Hase married his first wife, Hungarian singer Agnes Maria Cornelia Leguinia Babnigg, in 1853, with whom he had three children. Following her death in 1865, he married Ottilie Franziska Annette Amalie Berckelmann of Liebenburg. He remained active in his professional and civic roles until the end of his life. Hase died in Hanover in 1902 and is buried at the Engesohde city cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1818, Einbeck
- Died: 1902, Hanover
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Prussia
- Academic Employer: Leibniz University Hannover
- Notable Work: Göttingen railway station
- Burial Site: Engesohde city cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was the scale of Hase's architectural work?
He planned and designed over 340 buildings and participated in more than 150 restoration projects during his career.
Who were some of the notable students he taught at the Technical University of Hanover?
His students included Edwin Oppler, Heinrich Gerber, Wilhelm Walter, Georg Kegel, and Richard Kampf.
Achievements
- Notable work: Göttingen railway station
- Order of the Red Eagle 2nd Class
- Royal Decoration of the Cross of Merit of the Welfs
