construction of Centennial Hall (1913)Centennial Hall
At the time of its creation, the Hall was a structure with the largest dome span in the world – 65 meters in diameter – overshadowing even the Pantheon in Rome.
At that time, only a few steel structures were of a greater size. The height of the structure is an impressive 42 meters, while its maximum width is 95 meters.
construction of Centennial Hall (1913)Centennial Hall
At the beginning of 1912, there was began the work on the scaffolding and formwork for the four main pillars of the Hall. Preserved archive materials show perfectly how intricate, perforated network was made from wooden beams and steel bars.
construction of Centennial Hall (1913)Centennial Hall
The next step was to pour in this form a river of liquid concrete. In September 1912, this stage was completed up to the top of the dome and there were started the works of filling it with windows and roof layers.
construction of Centennial Hall (1913)Centennial Hall
Equally impressive as the construction’s momentum was the tempo of its creation. It took only half a year from the acceptance of the design to the symbolic first shovel and laying of the foundations!
Construction of the Pond at Pergola (1913) by Hans PoelzigCentennial Hall
Few believed in Max Berg's design and the durability of the construction. There was even a situation in which the construction team, fearing for the stability of the object, did not want to remove the expansion bolts reinforcing the formwork of Hall's ribs.
Eventually, Max Berg outsourced the task to a random passer-by, paying a symbolic gold mark for it. And? Nothing! It's still standing today.
