Architecture
Rudolf Steiner designed and built the first Goetheanum, a great theatre and auditorium integrating all the arts, to act as a 'speech organ' for the spiritual worlds in our times. This unique building, carved of wood, was destroyed by a fire on New Year's Eve 1922/23. In its place there now stands the second, concrete Goetheanum, with its very different character and construction, also designed by Steiner, together with a number of related buildings and houses. His work as architect reveals essential principles of 'organic' and 'human scale' architecture, and has inspired many architects to design buildings that are both functional and fit for the human soul. Many of these buildings belong to organisations linked to the Anthroposophical movement.
This new architecture recognises the profound effect of the built environment on our souls. Ugly, cold, angular buildings and uncared for spaces generate the same qualities within us, even to the extent of promoting illness and crime, whereas beautiful, warm, colourful, human buildings and spaces foster health and social harmony. In South Africa there are various examples of both houses and larger buildings designed by a number of architects working with this approach.
