Poelzig-Bau

The complex of buildings has its origins in an iron foundry dating from 1899. In 1906, it was converted into the Sigmund Goeritz AG textile factory, later known as Venus-Werke Chemnitz, which was renamed VEB Trikotagenwerke Ideal during the GDR era.

The extension to the original factory building, designed by the German architect, painter, set designer and university lecturer Hans Poelzig, was commissioned in 1921. Five years later, the present-day front building was constructed parallel to Ulmenstraße as a modern counterpoint to the Wilhelminian-style façades on the Kaßberg.

As production shifted from craft-based methods to industrial manufacturing, Poelzig laid the foundations for New Objectivity in architecture. Through its simplicity, what he termed the ‘material style’ highlighted the characteristics of the materials used far more effectively than the ornamental style prevalent at the time.

Today, this historic building houses modern flats and commercial units.