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Architecture and Society, Arts and Politics, Censorship, Underground Scenes, and Counterculture, Cultural Discourses in the GDR, Cultural Landscapes of the Soviet Era, Culture, Eastern Europe and Its Discourses, History, Society & Politics

Bauhaus – Shanghai – Stalinallee – Ha-Neu. The life of architect Richard Paulick, 1903­–1979

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Original Exhibition Title: Bauhaus – Shanghai – Stalinallee – Ha-Neu. Der Lebensweg des Architekten Richard Paulick 1903 – 1979 Germany Dessau 2020 55 German English

In a nutshell

Richard Paulick’s career was a mosaic of contradictions — modernist Bauhaus ideals alongside socialist industrialism, avant-garde innovation woven into national architectural traditions. His life was marked by the upheavals of war, shifting ideologies, and forced relocations, yet his dedication to architecture never wavered. Paulick emerged as one of the most influential architects of the German Democratic Republic, breathing new life into war-torn cities like Dresden and Berlin, while also shaping the industrial landscapes of smaller East German towns. Remarkably, his work extended far beyond Europe’s borders, leaving a legacy in pre-communist Shanghai as well. The exhibition at the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, a beacon of German avant-garde architecture, vividly captures Paulick’s lifelong quest for self-realization in the face of the political and social currents of the 20th century. Through his work, the complexities of personal and ideological resilience unfold, offering viewers a window into both the man and the turbulent world he helped to shape.

Why should you watch this?

This exhibition offers more than just an understanding of Richard Paulick’s architectural legacy — it provides timely insights into the enduring tension between modernism, tradition, and the political influence on design. In today’s context, where cities worldwide grapple with sustainable development, urban sprawl, and the preservation of cultural identity, Paulick’s work exemplifies the challenges of building for both functionality and aesthetic character under shifting ideologies. The guided tour illuminates how these issues resonate in contemporary debates about urban planning, sustainability, and the role of architecture in shaping not only cities but societal values. Understanding Paulick’s adaptive yet visionary approach offers fresh perspectives on the balance we seek today between innovation and heritage, making this exhibition particularly relevant.

Contributors

Thomas Flierl

Bio

Born in 1957 in Berlin, Thomas Flierl studied philosophy and aesthetics at the Humboldt University and completed his doctorate in 1985. Following roles in the Ministry of Culture and as a head of the Berlin Prenzlauer Berg cultural office, he served as Berlin’s Senator for Science, Research, and Culture from 2002 to 2006. A specialist in 20th-century architecture and urban planning, his research spans the Soviet Union and post-socialist memory cultures. From 2007 to 2023, he chaired the Hermann-Henselmann-Stiftung and continues to lead the Max-Lingner-Stiftung while contributing to academic research at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar.

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Wolfgang Thöner

Bio

Since 2009, Wolfgang Thöner has been leading the collection department at the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, where he focuses on the history and reception of the Bauhaus, particularly in East Germany from 1945 to 1990. His research encompasses architecture, functionalism, visual arts, and cultural history. In addition to his academic pursuits, he has curated numerous exhibitions on Bauhaus history, architecture, and contemporary artists.

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