Discussion: Innovation and Aesthetics - Lightweight Construction Pioneer Vladimir Grigor'evič Šuchov
The great russian engineer and inventor Vladimir Grigor'evič Šuchov (1853-1939) is one of the most important pioneers of lightweight construction and of modern cast iron and steel construction methods. Šuchov's relevance for the development of lightweight construction equals the renown of extraordinary engineers such as Robert Maillart or Pier Luigi Nervi in the development of modern reinforced concrete construction. In regard to his exceptional versatility, he can be best compared to engineers of the late 19th century who were active in a similarly universal way, such as Alexander Graham Bell or Gustave Eiffel. A plethora of construction principles that find use in contemporary steel construction originate in Šuchov's work. He created the first doubly curved grid shell structure, built the first suspended roof structures, and developed highly filigree arch structures. However, it isn't only the high degree of technical sophistication that makes his buildings so fascinating. The delicate structures, seemingly almost dematerialised, have tremendous and truly captivating aesthetic appeal. In his home country, Šuchov received the most important national awards, and the Russian people remember him to this day. However, outside of Russia, his manifold and extraordinary oeuvre has remained mostly unknown for a long time. The book by Murat Gappoev, Rainer Graefe, and Ottmar Pertschi titled "Die Kunst der sparsamen Konstruktion" and published in 1989 introduced Šuchov's work to a broader professional audience. The primary focus of an ongoing research project are questions on the origin and design processes of Šuchov's constructions that haven't yet been subject to detailed research. Beyond that, however, also questions on renovation need to be discussed, since most of the few remaining buildings are in a deplorable condition.
