The Kaufhaus Petersdorff, designed by Erich Mendelsohn and completed between 1927 and 1928, is an example of modernist and expressionist architecture in Wroclaw, Poland. At its construction, Europe was experiencing rapid industrialization, urbanization, and a transformative shift in architectural design. Erich Mendelsohn, known for his pioneering works that blended functionalism with bold, organic forms, emerged as a leading figure in the modernist movement.
Petersdorff Department Store Technical Information
- Architects: Erich Mendelsohn
- Location: Szewska Street, Old Town, Wroclaw, Poland
- Topics: Modernism, Expressionism
- Area: 11,000 m2 | 118,403 sq. ft. m2
- Project Year: 1927 – 1928
- Photographs: © Maciek Lulko, See Caption Details
I want to create dynamic spaces, spaces that live and breathe and respond to human activity.
– Erich Mendelsohn 1
Petersdorff Department Store Photographs
Architectural Design: Expressionism Meets Modernism
Located on Szewska Street in Wroclaw’s historic Old Town, the Kaufhaus Petersdorff was a mixed-use department store and office building. It was conceived when commercial architecture was evolving to meet the needs of an expanding consumer culture. For Mendelsohn, this project represented an opportunity to redefine retail architecture through innovative design principles that challenged conventional styles. The building quickly became a symbol of progress and modernity for the city and the architectural world.
At first glance, Kaufhaus Petersdorff’s curvilinear façade immediately sets it apart from the surrounding historical structures. The building’s sleek, vertical lines, interspersed with horizontal ribbon windows, create a dynamic sense of movement that defines much of Mendelsohn’s work. The use of large glass surfaces, steel frames, and concrete emphasizes modernist architecture’s clean, functional elements while introducing a sense of fluidity and rhythm to the overall form.
The continuous, curved façade is not just aesthetically striking but also functional. It allowed for an uninterrupted flow of natural light into the building, providing a bright and open environment for shoppers and the office spaces above. Mendelsohn’s characteristic approach to volume and light transformed the interior experience, making Kaufhaus Petersdorff a welcoming and modern retail space. The building’s scale and proportions were meticulously designed to cater to its dual function as a department store and an office building, demonstrating Mendelsohn’s skill in merging utility with artistry.
One of the key innovations was the use of horizontal ribbon windows, which were uncommon at the time. These windows gave the building a futuristic appearance and maximized the amount of natural light entering the interior spaces, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting. The smooth integration of modern materials such as glass and steel into the design further emphasized the building’s forward-thinking nature. Mendelsohn’s design broke away from the heavy, ornate detailing of the past and instead embraced simplicity, elegance, and practicality, embodying the essence of modernism.
Petersdorff Department Store Urban Context and Cultural Impact
Kaufhaus Petersdorff’s location in Wroclaw’s Old Town presented a fascinating juxtaposition between the past and the future. Surrounded by centuries-old buildings, the department store introduced a radical new architectural vision into the city’s urban fabric. Its bold, expressionist design made it a landmark in the area, representing modernity in a predominantly traditional setting.
This building was more than just an architectural statement—it became a cultural and economic hub. During the late 1920s, Wroclaw was experiencing rapid growth, and the Kaufhaus Petersdorff catered to a burgeoning middle class with increasing disposable income. The department store offered a new kind of retail experience that embraced modern ideals of comfort, luxury, and accessibility. Its design was functional and expressive of a new era of consumerism, marking a shift from small, independent shops to large-scale commercial centers.
The building also reflected a broader cultural movement that sought to express the optimism and dynamism of the post-war era. In this context, Kaufhaus Petersdorff can be seen as more than just a retail space—it was an emblem of progress, embodying the ideals of modern architecture while influencing the cultural landscape of Wroclaw. Mendelsohn’s vision of combining architecture, art, and function resonated with the city’s aspirations to embrace modernity, making the department store a lasting symbol of Wroclaw’s cultural evolution.
Legacy and Preservation
As with many architectural masterpieces of the early 20th century, the Kaufhaus Petersdorff has undergone changes over the years. Post-World War II, Wroclaw found itself in a new political and cultural context, and the building experienced alterations, both in function and design. However, despite these changes, the core of Mendelsohn’s vision remains intact.
The legacy of Kaufhaus Petersdorff extends beyond its original purpose as a department store. Its influence on subsequent commercial architecture in Europe cannot be understated. The use of glass and steel, the emphasis on form following function, and the blend of artistic expression with practical design became fundamental tenets of modernist architecture in the years following its construction. Mendelsohn’s design principles, especially those displayed in Kaufhaus Petersdorff, laid the groundwork for future explorations into retail and mixed-use architectural spaces.
Petersdorff Department Store Plans
Petersdorff Department Store Image Gallery
About Erich Mendelsohn
Erich Mendelsohn (1887–1953) was a pioneering German architect known for his dynamic, expressive approach to modernism and his innovative use of materials like glass, steel, and concrete. His works are characterized by bold, fluid forms that defied the rigid geometry of traditional architecture, blending functionality with artistic expression. Mendelsohn’s most notable projects include the Einstein Tower in Potsdam and several avant-garde department stores across Europe. Forced to flee Germany during World War II, he continued his career in the United States and Israel, leaving a lasting impact on 20th-century architecture.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Erich Mendelsohn: Complete Works by , 1999.
- Modern Architecture and Expressionism, by Sharp, Dennis, 1966.
- Erich Mendelsohn: Buildings and Projectsby Carsten Krohn and Michele Stavagna
