New Form, New Material and Color Scheme, the Exposed Concrete Phenomenon—The Centennial Hall in Wrocław

Stratigraphic studies and archival research reveal that the Centennial Hall in Wrocław was originally intended to feature exposed concrete on its exterior while its interior would be adorned with painting, stained glass, and sculpture. Contrary to its current appearance, the external walls were initially covered with a translucent yellowish coating, presenting a distinct face of reinforced concrete architecture. This finding challenges the perceived aesthetic of the building and sheds new light on its design intent. The research was conducted as part of the CMP grant from The Getty Foundation's Keeping It Modern program, utilizing both stratigraphic tests and historical inquiries to uncover the building's original form and color scheme.

Ilkosz, J., Wójtowicz, R., & Urbanik, J. (2022). New Form, New Material and Color Scheme, the Exposed Concrete Phenomenon—The Centennial Hall in Wrocław. Arts, 11(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/arts11010017