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🏛️ UNESCO
Centennial Hall is a historic building located in Wrocław, Poland, designed by the architect Max Berg and completed in 1913. Known for its innovative use of reinforced concrete, it is considered an architectural marvel and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
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It serves as a multifunctional venue, hosting a wide range of events including concerts, exhibitions, and sports events.
section through the cupola (1911) by Max BergCentennial Hall
A quadruple leaf
The hall is a quatrefoil, i.e. quadruple leaf – symbolically this shape is reflected in our visual identity. The plan of such a complex central building has at least two intersecting axes of symmetry, and the central space is dominated by the height above the side room.
aerial view of Centennial Hall (2008)Centennial Hall
The controversy
Reinforced concrete – light and resilient material, despite its excellent technical parameters, was not appreciated by professionals at that time. Certainly not for projects of this scale.
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The early 20th century still belonged to steel, which had a measurable value in its weight. Despite its enormous weight and significant costs, steel structures dominated the world’s construction sites.
construction details (1911) by Max BergCentennial Hall
There were no compromises in the selection of materials. Special cement for the production of concrete, supplied by the Silesia cement plant in Opole, had previously undergone restrictive construction tests.
construction details (1911) by Max BergCentennial Hall
The Centennial Hall’s structure consists of two autonomous elements. Basis in the form of curved arches and ribs and a dome resting freely like a bowler. Radially meeting reinforced concrete ribs, leaning against the lower and upper rings.
construction details (1911) by Max BergCentennial Hall
After the steel brittleness tests were performed, it was decided to use rolled steel with increased strength. In places exposed to particular loads, granite from Strzegom – aggregate with the best parameters – was used. Ironwood imported from Australia was used for window.
construction details (1911) by Max BergCentennial Hall
The terrace roofing system made it possible to install rows of windows, enchantingly illuminating the interior of the Hall. Intentionally raw, uncovered concrete surfaces reflect the sincerity and functionality of the structure, which heralded the beginnings of a modern movement.
