Berlin free University
By Georges Candilis, Alexis Josic, Shadrach Woods, Jean Prouvé
This building designed by Team X members is considered to be a prime example of a mat-building. The low, large footprint structure has no front elevation, it is the same all over but responds to site and programme within the constraints of the construction system. It has been successfully extended several times as the facade finish bear witness. Students use the vast areas of wide, carpeted, corridor floor to sit down, study, and socialize. The footprint of the building creates a total interior The courtyards are unable to challange the carpeted interior world as they in courtyard manner look inwards. The beautiful Jean Prouvé facade system in cor-ten steel is in a bad state and is to a large extent covered in gaffer tape and foil. The additions use other finishes with reasonable success but never with the beauty of the original rusting steel.