Artichecture

"Architecture is not only the spoken word in stone, it is the expression of the faith and conviction of a community, or else it signifies the power, greatness and fame of a great man or ruler." - Hitler's Cultural address 1937

Nazi architecture was an architectural plan which played a role in the Nazi party's plans to create a cultural and spiritual rebirth in Germany as part of the Third Reich. Nazi buildings were created with community gatherings in mind. Large spaces, where large numbers of people  could come together was first and for most. It was important to Hitler that people be impressed when they came to see his speeches.

The buildings were meant to set a stage for the speaker. The Greatness of these buildings in size and design confirmed the strong Nazi messages. The Nazis believed the atmosphere the buildings created were crucial to how the German public would respond to their speeches. Hitler also started the Thingstätte movement. Where they only used natural materials to build, such as stones, were built on sites thought to be historic. This generally they took after ancient Greek buildings architecturally and the structures were meant to connect Germans to their Aryan ancestry. This was closely linked with the "Blood and Soil" belief. The Nazi party believed that only Germans of Aryan decent should be entitled to German land. Often these buildings were used for Nazi gatherings or celebrations.

Symbolism in German Architecture also played an important role in the style chosen by the Nazi party; German buildings were built for both form and function. The German Art museum serves as a prime example of how Nazi Architecture was symbolic; it was created to house paintings and large numbers of people. It was designed in the style of the Aryans, giving it a cultural and temple like feeling. It contained paintings specifically praised by Hitler and the Nazis and so became an experience similar to that of worship in a church. Nazi Architecture began to take on two styles one mimicked after the neo-classicism period and the other similar to that of Volkisch. 

1. Neo Classicism means; the revival of a classical style or treatment in art, literature, architecture, or music. And most buildings were elaborate, symmetrical, imposing, and timeless works; while keeping to the traditional theme. 

2. VÖLKISCH means: (of a person or ideology) populist or nationalist, and typically racist. the volkisch style was mainly used in the rural towns. Housing was created for many Germans in this traditional style. And although the buildings appeared in traditional older settings many of them were used for modern businesses. Nazi buildings were not meant to be inventive or spectacular, rather they were intended to be traditional and connect the German population with their Aryan roots which was the aim behind architecture propaganda. The Nazi Party strictly forbid any modern building to be built; in their aim to return to the traditional roots.

Albert Speer was a major proponent for the neo classicism style. He encouraged the use of traditional materials and assured that years later even when the buildings were neglected, they would look profound and powerful. Hitler believed that granite and marble were the only materials that were worth using because of their grandeur and structure that would last over the third Reich. While some historians believe that it was an economic necessity masked by symbolism. The articeture was meant to symbolise German values; celebrate labour, motherhood and the Aryan race/ way of life and throughout the buildings the sculptures and tiled mosaics also represented these celebrations. 

Himmilar once spoke on architecture. He said: 

"When people are silent, stones speak. By means of the stone, great epochs speak to the present so that fellow citizens; are able to uplift themselves through the beauty of self-made buildings. Proud and self-assured, they should be able to look upon these works erected by their own community." 

and…

"Buildings are always erected by people. People are children of their blood, are members or their race. As blood speaks, so the people build." 

this shows that Nazi Architecture was so much more than just building design. It was just as much propaganda as the cartoons of Hitler handing out food, or with angel like wings. It was designed with a goal in mind. It was meant to create a place for mass gatherings, represent the importance of Hitler and the traditional movement and impart values of Community in the people of Germany.