Sep
Ruf

An architect in the tradition of classical modernism. His early work in Nuremberg is considered particularly outstanding, including the former Bavarian State Bank on Lorenzer Platz and the Academy of Fine Arts in Zerzabelshof. The Germanisches Nationalmuseum complex, built in several stages, deserves a nuanced assessment: On the one hand, the most aesthetically successful wing, the Theodor Heuss Building, presents a problematic juxtaposition with the entrance building by German Bestelmayer; on the other hand, each newly added wing is increasingly less convincing for both aesthetic and functional reasons, as even the museum's management has pointed out. For the south wing (1963-68), Ruf demolished remaining medieval structures. The Carthusian monastery and church, largely preserved, were reduced to mere cubicles behind inconsiderate buildings (see photo: east wing in Grasersgasse, view through to the Carthusian church). Ruf's intervention on the opposite side of the Kornmarkt (Hertie office tower) also contributed to the complete demolition of the highly valuable pre-war buildings. Since then, the Kornmarkt has presented a completely interchangeable public square.

Dr. Pablo de la Riestra / October 2014