Uncontrolled Chaos Unleashed in the Scribe's Sanctuary
Photographers Uncover Hidden History of Post-WWII Temporary Shelters
Photographers Enver Hirsch and Philipp Meuser have unearthed a forgotten chapter of post-World War II Germany in their exhibition "Ley-Bude." Initially, they believed they had captured images of timber-framed temporary shelters on the Bille. Upon closer inspection, however, they discovered that the timber framing was merely a painted facade.
Meanderings through the city yielded numerous surprises. They encountered lamps screwed on upside down to fit under overhangs, windows squeezed under rooftops, and staircases leading to wooden, caravan-like floors in unexpected places. "These houses are incredibly distinctive. They bear hardly any resemblance to one another. That's what fascinated us," says Hirsch.
Chance led the duo to one of these unusual buildings, transforming it into a captivating project. As they delved into the history behind the unconventional houses, Hirsch and Meuser discovered these structures were known as "Ley-Buden," named after Dr. Fritz Ley, a German architect and official in the Reich Ministry of Housing. These compact wooden huts, roughly 20 square meters in size, were the only civilian buildings allowed to be constructed during World War II in the German Reich.
The Ley-Buden served as emergency accommodations for families displaced by bombings, with swift fabrication from readily available wood making them efficient to produce and erect. The housing solutions offered a glimmer of respite during wartime chaos, symbolizing the efforts to maintain civilian morale and social stability amidst urban devastation.
Today, these historical artifacts are occasionally preserved as reminders of civilian wartime experiences, offering valuable insights into the human cost of strategic bombing in World War II. The exhibited photographs reveal the resourcefulness and determination of the people who transformed these temporary shelters into homes during a time of crisis.
Potential readers interested in learning more about Ley-Buden can purchase the current issue of the Hinz&Kunzt magazine on Hamburg's streets or subscribe to a print subscription for access to compelling articles on the subject.
The Ley-Buden, discovered by photographers Enver Hirsch and Philipp Meuser, were temporary shelters constructed during World War II in Germany. These compact homes, once emergency accommodations for displaced families, showcased a unique blend of home-and-garden lifestyle within the urban landscape. As these historic artifacts serve as reminders of civilian wartime experiences, they offer valuable insights into lifestyle adaptations during crisis periods.
