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{{Short description|German architect (1880–1955)}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Dominikus Böhm
| name = Dominikus Böhm
| image = Dominikus boehm by hugo schmoelz.jpg
| image = Dominikus boehm by hugo schmoelz.jpg
| caption = Dominikus Böhm, by [[Hugo Schmölz]]
| image_size =
| caption = Dominikus Böhm, by [[Hugo Schmölz]]
| birth_name =
⚫
| birth_date = 23 October 1880
| birth_name =
| birth_place = [[Jettingen (Baden-Württemberg)|Jettingen]], Germany
⚫
| birth_date = October 23, 1880
| death_date = {{d-da|6 August 1955|23 October 1880}}
| birth_place = [[Jettingen]]
⚫
| death_place = [[Cologne, Germany]]
| death_date = August 6, 1955
⚫
| death_cause =
⚫
| death_place = [[Cologne]]
⚫
| other_names =
⚫
| death_cause =
| known_for = architect of churches in Germany
| residence =
⚫
| education =
⚫
| other_names =
| known_for = architect of churches in Germany
| employer =
⚫
| occupation = architect
⚫
| education =
| children = [[Gottfried Böhm]]
| employer =
| parents = Alois and Katharina Böhm (nee Hofmiller)
⚫
| occupation = architect
| children = [[Gottfried Böhm]]
| relatives =
| parents = Alois and Katharina Böhm (nee Hofmiller)
| signature =
| relatives =
| footnotes =
| signature =
| nationality = German
| footnotes =
| nationality = [[Germany]]
}}
}}
'''Dominikus Böhm''' (October 23, 1880 – August 6, 1955) was a [[German architect]] specializing in churches. He built churches in Cologne, the [[Ruhr]] area, [[Swabia]], and [[Hesse]]. Many of his buildings are examples of [[Brick Expressionism]].
'''Dominikus Böhm''' (23 October 1880 – 6 August 1955) was a German architect specializing in churches. He built churches in Cologne, the [[Ruhr]] area, [[Swabia]], and [[Hesse]]. Many of his buildings are examples of [[Brick Expressionism]].


==Life and career==
==Life and career==
Böhm was born in [[Jettingen]] as the youngest of six children to builder and major Alois Böhm and his wife Katharina (née Hofmiller).
Böhm was born in [[Jettingen]] as the youngest of six children to builder and major Alois Böhm and his wife Katharina (née Hofmiller).


He studied at the [[Augsburg University of Applied Sciences]] and graduated in 1900.<!--merged article indicates "1903 to 1906" but unreferenced--> He became a teacher at the [[Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach]] from 1908-1926. He also attended lectures by [[Theodor Fischer]] at the [[University of Stuttgart]].
He studied at the [[Augsburg University of Applied Sciences]] and graduated in 1900.<!--merged article indicates "1903 to 1906" but unreferenced--> He became a teacher at the [[Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach]] from 1908 to 1926. He also attended lectures by [[Theodor Fischer]] at the [[University of Stuttgart]].


He worked with several partners, including [[Martin Weber (architect)|Martin Weber]] and [[Rudolf Schwarz (architect)|Rudolf Schwarz]], designing and constructing churches.
He worked with several partners, including [[Martin Weber (architect)|Martin Weber]] and [[Rudolf Schwarz (architect)|Rudolf Schwarz]], designing and constructing churches.
Line 34: Line 33:
He first taught at the ''Rheinische Technicum'' in [[Bingen am Rhein|Bingen]], and than from 1908 to 1926 at what is now the College of Design in Offenbach, with the architect [[Rudolf Schwarz (architect)|Rudolf Schwarz]] in a joint workshop.
He first taught at the ''Rheinische Technicum'' in [[Bingen am Rhein|Bingen]], and than from 1908 to 1926 at what is now the College of Design in Offenbach, with the architect [[Rudolf Schwarz (architect)|Rudolf Schwarz]] in a joint workshop.


In 1926, Böhm became professor for [[Christian art]] under [[Richard Riemerschmid]] at the [[Kölner Werkschulen]] in [[Cologne]]. His works, including the Christ the King church (''Christkönigskirche'') in [[Bischofsheim, Hesse|Bischofsheim]], polarized between support (e.g. by the art historian [[August Hoff]]) and rejection (e.g. [[Michael von Faulhaber]]).
In 1926, Böhm became professor for [[Christian art]] under [[Richard Riemerschmid]] at the [[Kölner Werkschulen]] in [[Cologne]]. His works, including the Christ the King church (''Christkönigskirche'') in [[Bischofsheim, Hesse|Bischofsheim]], polarized between support (e.g. by the art historian August Hoff) and rejection (e.g. [[Michael von Faulhaber]]).


During [[World War II]] he became (through his membership in the ''Block Kölner Baukünstler'') member of the [[NSDAP]], but never engaged in construction for the government. While he was reluctant to sign his personal correspondence with the prescribed party greetings, he was willing to compete for government commissions alongside architects like [[Walter Gropius]] and [[Mies van der Rohe]].<ref>[[Kathleen James-Chakraborty]], German Architecture for a Mass Audience (London, 2000), p. 100 </ref> Four of his largest churches were built during the reign of the Third Reich. He enjoyed high standing within Nazi Germany, demonstrated by the fact that in 1943 he was the subject of one of the last architectural monographs published before the end of the war. <ref>Kathleen James-Chakraborty, German Architecture for a Mass Audience (London, 2000), p. 100 </ref> His church designs took inspiration from the communal emphasis of Guardini's theology; however his architectural aesthetic and personal behaviour cannot deny the political ramifications of the ideas to which he sought to give built form. After the war, he retook his position in Cologne, and constructed eight new churches in the massively damaged city.
During [[World War II]] he became (through his membership in the ''Block Kölner Baukünstler'') member of the [[NSDAP]], but never engaged in construction for the government. While he was reluctant to sign his personal correspondence with the prescribed party greetings, he was willing to compete for government commissions alongside architects like [[Walter Gropius]] and [[Mies van der Rohe]].<ref>[[Kathleen James-Chakraborty]], German Architecture for a Mass Audience (London, 2000), p. 100</ref> Four of his largest churches were built during the reign of the Third Reich. He enjoyed high standing within Nazi Germany, demonstrated by the fact that in 1943 he was the subject of one of the last architectural monographs published before the end of the war.<ref>Kathleen James-Chakraborty, German Architecture for a Mass Audience (London, 2000), p. 100</ref> His church designs took inspiration from the communal emphasis of [[Romano Guardini|Guardini]]'s theology; however his architectural aesthetic and personal behaviour cannot deny the political ramifications of the ideas to which he sought to give built form. After the war, he retook his position in Cologne, and constructed eight new churches in the massively damaged city.


He was awarded the [[Federal Cross of Merit]] in 1950, and the [[Order of St. Sylvester]] in 1952.
He was awarded the [[Federal Cross of Merit]] in 1950, and the [[Order of St. Sylvester]] in 1952.


Böhm died in [[Cologne]], where he was buried on August 10, 1955.
Böhm died in [[Cologne]], where he was buried on 10 August 1955.


==Architectural expression and legacy==
==Architectural expression and legacy==
Böhm took advantage of modern building materials and techniques. By reducing the form of the church to its essential shape, the lighting of the altar and the sophisticated design of the altar, he created a new tradition of modern church architecture. In particular, he used light as a building material, and as part of the [[liturgy]].
Böhm took advantage of modern building materials and techniques. By reducing the form of the church to its essential shape, the lighting of the altar and the sophisticated design of the altar, he created a new tradition of modern church architecture. In particular, he treated light as if it were a building material, and as part of the [[liturgy]].


Böhm also considered liturgical questions which may have indirectly influenced the doctrine of the [[Second Vatican Council]]. His special merit was his belief in the participation of the community in worship, using the structure of early church buildings as a model. His churches are characterised by simple monumentality and especially by the new emphasis on the altar area as central.
Böhm also considered liturgical questions which may have indirectly influenced the doctrine of the [[Second Vatican Council]]. His special merit was his belief in the participation of the community in worship, using the structure of early church buildings as a model. His churches are characterized by simple monumentality and especially by the new emphasis on the centrally-located altar area.


Stained glass was one of his passions. So he designed the stained glass windows, built for Holy Ghost Church in Brunswick-Lehndorf in 1952. He also served as a musician and composer, and composed numerous songs and sacred music. The postmodern architect [[Heinz Bienefeld]] began his career as an assistant of his.
[[Stained glass]] was one of his passions. He designed the stained glass windows, built for Holy Ghost Church in Brunswick-Lehndorf in 1952. He also served as a musician and composer, and composed numerous songs and sacred music. The postmodern architect Heinz Bienefeld began his career as his assistant.


Part of his legacy is preserved at the [[German Architecture Museum]] in Frankfurt, while another part was located in the [[Historical Archive of the City of Cologne]] but was probably lost in the collapse of the archive building on 3 March 2009.<ref>[https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gcv6Kh8jePA0Ga6l7ozFiRo_HjmQ Nine missing as Cologne archives collapse],
Part of his legacy is preserved at the [[German Architecture Museum]] in [[Frankfurt]], while another part was located in the [[Historical Archive of the City of Cologne]] but was probably lost in the collapse of the archive building on 3 March 2009.<ref>[https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gcv6Kh8jePA0Ga6l7ozFiRo_HjmQ Nine missing as Cologne archives collapse],
AFP, March 3, 2009</ref>
AFP, March 3, 2009</ref>


He is the father of architect [[Gottfried Böhm]].
He was the father of architect [[Gottfried Böhm]].


<gallery>
<gallery>
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[[Category:1880 births]]
[[Category:1880 births]]
[[Category:1955 deaths]]
[[Category:1955 deaths]]
[[Category:German architects]]
[[Category:19th-century German architects]]
[[Category:Commanders Crosses of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany]]
[[Category:Commanders Crosses of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany]]
[[Category:Knights of the Order of St. Sylvester]]
[[Category:Knights of the Order of St. Sylvester]]
[[Category:People from Günzburg (district)]]
[[Category:People from Günzburg (district)]]
[[Category:20th-century German architects]]
[[Category:Expressionist architects]]

Latest revision as of 20:12, 10 April 2024

Dominikus Böhm
Dominikus Böhm, by Hugo Schmölz
Born23 October 1880
Jettingen, Germany
Died6 August 1955 (1955-08-07) (aged 74)
Cologne, Germany
NationalityGerman
Occupationarchitect
Known forarchitect of churches in Germany
ChildrenGottfried Böhm
Parent(s)Alois and Katharina Böhm (nee Hofmiller)

Dominikus Böhm (23 October 1880 – 6 August 1955) was a German architect specializing in churches. He built churches in Cologne, the Ruhr area, Swabia, and Hesse. Many of his buildings are examples of Brick Expressionism.

Life and career[edit]

Böhm was born in Jettingen as the youngest of six children to builder and major Alois Böhm and his wife Katharina (née Hofmiller).

He studied at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences and graduated in 1900. He became a teacher at the Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach from 1908 to 1926. He also attended lectures by Theodor Fischer at the University of Stuttgart.

He worked with several partners, including Martin Weber and Rudolf Schwarz, designing and constructing churches.

He first taught at the Rheinische Technicum in Bingen, and than from 1908 to 1926 at what is now the College of Design in Offenbach, with the architect Rudolf Schwarz in a joint workshop.

In 1926, Böhm became professor for Christian art under Richard Riemerschmid at the Kölner Werkschulen in Cologne. His works, including the Christ the King church (Christkönigskirche) in Bischofsheim, polarized between support (e.g. by the art historian August Hoff) and rejection (e.g. Michael von Faulhaber).

During World War II he became (through his membership in the Block Kölner Baukünstler) member of the NSDAP, but never engaged in construction for the government. While he was reluctant to sign his personal correspondence with the prescribed party greetings, he was willing to compete for government commissions alongside architects like Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe.[1] Four of his largest churches were built during the reign of the Third Reich. He enjoyed high standing within Nazi Germany, demonstrated by the fact that in 1943 he was the subject of one of the last architectural monographs published before the end of the war.[2] His church designs took inspiration from the communal emphasis of Guardini's theology; however his architectural aesthetic and personal behaviour cannot deny the political ramifications of the ideas to which he sought to give built form. After the war, he retook his position in Cologne, and constructed eight new churches in the massively damaged city.

He was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit in 1950, and the Order of St. Sylvester in 1952.

Böhm died in Cologne, where he was buried on 10 August 1955.

Architectural expression and legacy[edit]

Böhm took advantage of modern building materials and techniques. By reducing the form of the church to its essential shape, the lighting of the altar and the sophisticated design of the altar, he created a new tradition of modern church architecture. In particular, he treated light as if it were a building material, and as part of the liturgy.

Böhm also considered liturgical questions which may have indirectly influenced the doctrine of the Second Vatican Council. His special merit was his belief in the participation of the community in worship, using the structure of early church buildings as a model. His churches are characterized by simple monumentality and especially by the new emphasis on the centrally-located altar area.

Stained glass was one of his passions. He designed the stained glass windows, built for Holy Ghost Church in Brunswick-Lehndorf in 1952. He also served as a musician and composer, and composed numerous songs and sacred music. The postmodern architect Heinz Bienefeld began his career as his assistant.

Part of his legacy is preserved at the German Architecture Museum in Frankfurt, while another part was located in the Historical Archive of the City of Cologne but was probably lost in the collapse of the archive building on 3 March 2009.[3]

He was the father of architect Gottfried Böhm.

  • Böhms first church: St. Josef in Offenbach
    Böhms first church: St. Josef in Offenbach
  • Christkönig in Bischofsheim, 1925
    Christkönig in Bischofsheim, 1925
  • St. Engelbert in Cologne, 1928−1932
    St. Engelbert in Cologne, 1928−1932
  • Stella Maris on the island of Norderney, 1931
    Stella Maris on the island of Norderney, 1931
  • Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche in Dülmen
    Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche in Dülmen
  • Grave of Dominikus Böhm in Cologne
    Grave of Dominikus Böhm in Cologne

References[edit]

  1. ^ Kathleen James-Chakraborty, German Architecture for a Mass Audience (London, 2000), p. 100
  2. ^ Kathleen James-Chakraborty, German Architecture for a Mass Audience (London, 2000), p. 100
  3. ^ Nine missing as Cologne archives collapse, AFP, March 3, 2009
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