Eva Sollgruber (2020): The Idea of Grossform. New insights on the work of the architect Oswald Mathias Ungers and the question of a potential design tool, 1st reviewer: Hans Gangoly, 2nd reviewer: Sonja Hnilica; 304 pages, German

Oswald Mathias Ungers was one of the most important post-war German architects. In addition to his realized projects, he has made a name for himself especially with his conceptual designs and theoretical considerations. This work provides a new interpretation of his work by examining and analyzing his texts and projects from the 1960s and 1970s with regard to his idea of Grossform. In this study, historical research is combined with methods of design research, so that the results can also be applied to design practice and teaching.
The historical investigation of the term Grossform provides an overview of the most important aspects of the notion of Greatness in architecture - this does not always refer to large scale - and not only proves that the concept of Grossform is dazzling and contradictory in itself. It also shows the current practice of using the term unnecessarily shortened exclusively to describe large-scale buildings. The analysis of key texts about Grossform that Oswald Mathias Ungers wrote in the 1960s, as well as their connection with texts and projects of his contemporaries, enables a new reading of his theories. The idea behind the concept of Grossform is thus clarified and its meaning for Ungers as a tool for designing is revealed.
By breaking down Ungers’ idea of Grossform into its conceptual individual parts, its potential for contemporary design and design teaching can be shown. The analysis of selected projects by Ungers illustrates how the previously described theoretical concepts can be found in his designs. In contrast to previously published research, this analysis is not done chronologically. This work looks at different projects based on categories from different time periods, compares them and works out similarities or differences.
The research shows the great potential that historical analysis has for current architectural practice. By specifying the vague concept of Grossform, design instruments can be developed that can guide the decision-making processes for designing beyond arbitrariness.