ode to brutalism: david altrath captures concrete landscape of HAW university in germany

David Altrath photographs HAW Bergedorf in Hamburg, Germany

German photographer David Altrath extends his architectural exploration, this time capturing the HAW Bergedorf Faculty of Life Science in Hamburg, Germany. Constructed in 1972 and designed by architects Graaf + Schweger, the university campus stands as a striking embodiment of Brutalist architecture. The juxtaposition of unadorned concrete walls, pillars, coffered ceilings, and staircase sculptures harmonizes with lively bursts of color, creating a unified and rugged landscape.

the HAW Bergedorf Faculty of Life Science in Hamburg | all images courtesy of David Altrath

the uncertain future of Fachhochschule Bergedorf

In his latest project, David Altrath (find more here) photographs the distinct Brutalist style of the building which is likened to a colossal spaceship fleet. The vast entrance hall boasts raw concrete walls, pillars, coffered ceilings, and staircase structures. Red, blue, and yellow stripes and signage cover the rough surfaces, adding a splash of color to the interior. The architects demonstrated meticulous attention to detail, seamlessly integrating metallic handrails into machined slots in the concrete staircase railings.

Despite its architectural significance and preservation of the original state, Fachhochschule Bergedorf faces an uncertain future. Plans to relocate the university to Oberbillwerder aren’t driven by functional inadequacies but by the perceived infeasibility of an energy-efficient renovation. This decision has drawn criticism from preservationists, including the Hamburg Heritage Association, advocating for exploring alternative uses for the building and upholding the public sector’s role in sustainable urban development.

red, blue, and yellow stripes add a splash of color to the concrete interior