Klaus Jan Philipp Book order

Karl Friedrich Schinkel referred to his designs for a palace on the Acropolis and Orianda Castle as a 'beautiful dream.' Created in 1834 and 1838, these projects represent Schinkel’s architectural ideals through stunning drawings and watercolours, serving as a testament to his vision. The neo-Classical style and presentation quality are exceptional, reflecting Schinkel's high regard for these unrealized designs, which he published as coloured lithographs in Werke der höheren Baukunst für die Ausführung erfunden (Potsdam 1840-1842). The large-format lithographs include spectacular representations of the Pliny villas, Tusculum and Laurentinum, showcasing Schinkel’s skill in articulating his architectural concepts. He aimed for archaeological accuracy in the reconstructions while exploring architecture's potential beyond mere utility. In the Acropolis project, he focused on how the new structure would relate to the Propylaea and Parthenon. The Orianda design features a glazed observation pavilion resembling a temple, epitomizing architecture's self-perception. Klaus Jan Philipp, who studied art history and archaeology, has contributed significantly to the field, including organizing exhibitions and presenting research on neo-Classical architecture. He is currently a professor of architectural history at Stuttgart University.

Since the publication of their first book in 2000, Hilmer & Sattler and Albrecht have expanded their architectural portfolio significantly. Despite this growth, the firm, with Thomas Albrecht as a partner since 1994, remains committed to its foundational approach. Their focus is not on inventing new styles but on exploring architectural memories and typologies through a dialectical lens. This is not about haphazardly combining historical or modern architectural elements; instead, they adhere to the principle that "a building is a building." Over time, they have refined their engagement with historical references in urban planning, building typologies, and details. Their projects in Potsdamer and Leipziger Platz, along with the Lenné-Dreieck developments like the Beisheim Center and Ritz-Carlton Hotel, reflect a closer connection to historical models. In contrast, their Munich projects, such as those on Karl-Scharnagl-Ring and Theresienhöhe, align more with Modernist formal language. The new residential buildings in Berlin and Munich cater to affluent clients while addressing urban development and design challenges. A standout project is the museum housing a reconstruction of the Gottorf Globe, located in the Baroque garden of Schloss Gottorf, which showcases a rich interplay of ideas from European architectural history, similar to the Picasso Museum in Münster.