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Neuperlach Zentrum - Thomas Wieland

Thomas was kind enough to send me a copy of his book, Neuperlach Zentrum to have a look at. Before I received it I told him that it looked like my kind of thing from the photos on his site, and I’m pleased to say that the book lived up to my expectations.

His website states:

Founded on the periphery of Munich in 1967, Neuperlach is one of the big urban
settlements of post-war Germany. The aim of its initiators was not only to provide
housing for 80,000 inhabitants but to create a place for a new attitude towards urban life. The book explores this ambitious experiment in urban planning.

It’s fair to say that this experiment was not a huge success. As often happens when humans live close together in somewhat forced communities the city was soon plagued by crime and other problems. Perhaps this is due to our curious animal-like obsession with needing a space or territory over which we can exert control? Or perhaps it’s simply what happens when too many people live too close to each other.

Either way, Thomas offers a wonderful perspective of the town, showcasing intriguing architectural elements in such a way that we immediately see why problems arose.The printing is good with very vibrant colours where needed.

Copies are still available from his online shop. Don’t miss this one.