Peter Behrens (Behrens Peter)

(1868-1940)
Born April 14, 1868 in Hamburg. From 1886 to 1889 he studied at art school in Karlsruhe and Dц?sseldorf. Behrens is known primarily as the representative of functionalist architecture and a supporter of the use of new designs and materials such as glass and steel. Exercised great influence and prestige in Germany and Europe. Along with Alfred Messele, designer of the famous department store 'Wertheim' in Berlin (1897), he played a leading role in creating the concept of modern architecture in Germany. In industrial buildings, such as turbine plant of the company 'AEG' in Berlin (1909-1912), plants in Oberhausen (1921-1925) and HцІchst (1925-1926), Behrens designed a series of residential complexes for workers and a few villas. He participated in the German industrial union (Verkbunda) and the Munich Secession, was one of the founders of modern industrial design, developed for the company 'AEG' visual style of its products, packaging, advertising. Berens led the School of Art and Industry in Dц?sseldorf, and in 1922-1936 - School of Architecture of the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna, had a great influence on the avant-garde trends in art in Germany and Austria. He prepared the way for the rationalization of construction methods. Developed Behrens theoretical design principles are embodied in its architectural and pedagogical practices, and have continued in the work of his students. In his workshop worked Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius, founder of the German Bauhaus, and from 1938 - professor of architecture at Harvard University. Behrens also have some time studied Le Corbusier. Behrens died in Berlin on February 27, 1940.