The Einstein Tower remains a primary reference for Erich Mendelsohn, illustrating his synthesis of expressionist forms and functional requirements. Born in 1887 in Olsztyn, Mendelsohn navigated the volatile cultural landscape of the early twentieth century, leaving a distinct mark on the architectural heritage of Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel, and the United States before his death in 1953.
Formative Education and Early Practice
Mendelsohn studied national economics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München before transitioning to architecture at the Technical University of Munich, graduating in 1912. His early career in Munich and Berlin was defined by an intensive period of sketching factories and large-scale structures. These drawings, often produced during his service in World War I, laid the conceptual groundwork for his later transition into the New Objectivity movement.
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Upon returning to Berlin in 1918, Mendelsohn gained prominence through projects like the Petersdorff Department Store and the Mossehaus. His practice expanded to include diverse industrial and commercial designs, where he employed dynamic functionalism. As a co-founder of the group Der Ring, he participated in the modernization of urban centers, influencing the aesthetic direction of department store design and cinema architecture throughout the Weimar Republic.
Exile and International Practice
Following his departure from Germany in 1933 due to the rise of the Nazis, Mendelsohn operated from London, forming a practice with Serge Chermayeff. He later turned his attention to Mandatory Palestine, where he established an office in Jerusalem in 1935. There, he developed designs for major institutions, including the Hadassah Hospital and the Weizmann House, integrating the International Style with the local landscape.
Final Years in the United States
Mendelsohn relocated to the United States in 1941, eventually settling in San Francisco. He held a teaching position at the University of California, Berkeley, and served as an advisor to the U.S. government. In 1943, he received a Guggenheim Fellowship. His final professional years were characterized by projects for Jewish communities and ongoing contributions to architectural discourse until his death in San Francisco.
Fast facts
- Born: 1887, Olsztyn
- Died: 1953, San Francisco
- Citizenships: Germany, United Kingdom, United States
- Education: University of Wrocław, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Technical University of Munich, Technische Universität Berlin
- Guggenheim Fellowship: 1943
- Key Works: Einstein Tower, Petersdorff Department Store
- Academic Appointment: University of California, Berkeley
Questions readers ask
Which movements defined Mendelsohn's work?
He is primarily associated with Expressionism and the New Objectivity movement, with significant contributions to Art Deco and Streamline Moderne.
Did Mendelsohn design buildings outside of Europe?
Yes, he designed numerous buildings in Mandatory Palestine, including the Weizmann House and the Hadassah Hospital, and completed projects in San Francisco.
Achievements
- Notable work: Einstein Tower
- Notable work: Petersdorff Department Store
- Affiliated with University of California, Berkeley
- Educated at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Technical University of Munich and University of Wrocław
- Worked as architect and photographer
