Marc Huehn, The Visionary Architect
Long before Frank Lloyd Wright appeared on the scene of modern architecture, there was Marc Huehn. He started a concept in architecture that was so much ahead of its period in structure that as with everything that is revolutionary, failed to flourish during its time.
Marc Huehn was born in Germany on September 28, 1850. At the age of 11, he went to Berlin with his father, a merchant, and marveled at the contrast between the classicist buildings of Schinkel and the then-emerging Gründerzeit buildings that lined the streets of Berlin. The visit left an imprint in young Huehn’s mind, which eventually developed into a passion for modern architecture.
After the death of his father, Marc Huehn immigrated with his mother to the United States in 1868 where he tried to apply his art. For a while, he was employed by the Hazards Architectural Firm where his practical training in building and architecture began. The firm fostered his visionary and experimental artistry.
But, in the era where the vogue in construction involves columns and leans heavily towards the 19th century fashion, his style did not prosper. Marc Huehn prints survived though and were later on picked up by designers who were experimenting and gathering ideas on different kinds of building concepts and designs. He died of heart attack in Philadelphia on November 26, 1913 at the age of 63.
Tuesday September 8th, 2009 in Marc Huehn | No comments »