Rudolf Steiner and organic architecture

Architecture: Steiner – editorial on WAN (World Architecture News) about wholeness in architecture, particularly in the work of the Austrian “scientist, philosopher, and writer Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925)” who designed and built the Goetheanum in Dornach, Switzerland that is familiar to students of architecture around the world.  A link in the editorial provides a bit of background on the inspiration Steiner drew from Goethe who, in turn, derived inspiration from nature and natural forms.

From the editorial written by the Chairman of WAN, Richard Coleman:

What is important is that architecture can be both a ‘whole’ in itself and part of a ‘greater whole’. It needs to support both physical and emotional needs; to function both during night and day; to embrace the feminine and the masculine; to relate to the earth and to the universe; to embody substance, relevance, beauty and meaning; to relate to earth, water, air and fire; to embrace the straight line and the curved line; I could go on. To bring these things into balance, harmony and dynamic in architecture is a spiritual task of making wholeness.

There’s a conference coming up in July, Architecture: Steiner – Wholeness Through Architecture and The Arts, at Essex College in Sussex, England.  Here’s Wikipedia on the Goetheanum, on Steiner, on Goethe’s scientific work, and on Organic architecture.  For more on organic architecture check out International Forum Man & Architecture.