Hans Kern (architect)

Würzburg Central Station

Hans Kern (* 1907 in Nuremberg ; † 1997 there ) was a German architect , construction clerk and visual artist.

Hans Kern was in the 1950s for his uncompromising modern Bahnhofs- reception building in Aschaffenburg and Wuerzburg known that he built in his capacity as Bundesbahnoberrat. The Aschaffenburg main station , built in reinforced concrete skeleton construction with a reinforced concrete truss structure, had a glazed facade and a pent roof, which formed the entrance roof with thin pillars. Tiled sgraffiti were affixed to the narrow sides, showing a winged female figure with suitcases and a winged wheel, the classic railway symbol. The building, which is now under monument protection , was no longer in its original form after some renovations and has been extensively renovated since 2004. At the end of 2008 the building was demolished as a result of a referendum and replaced by a new building with more business space. Architectural critics and architects protested against the loss of an important architectural monument from the post-war era.

The Würzburg Central Station is also a striking example of the light, transparent architecture of the 1950s, which was deliberately intended as an alternative to the monumental classicism of National Socialism. Here, too, the front is glazed up to the roof and the appearance of the facade is characterized by thin steel profiles and reinforced concrete supports. In 2004 this station building was also supposed to be demolished, however financial problems of the investors meant that this “glass reception room” of the city was preserved for the time being.

In 1966, on the occasion of a Paul Klee exhibition of the Nuremberg Albrecht Dürer Association, pictures by Hans Kern were shown, which gave him at least regional importance as a visual artist. He mainly produced colorful works using mixed techniques and collages, but also repeatedly representational, expressive paintings.

Work (selection)

• 1952: Würzburg Central Station
• 1954–1955: Aschaffenburg Central Station