Estate Dr. Myra Warhaftig

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Martin Papenbrock
• Subject Area: Architecture, Building and Construction History, Construction Research, Sustainable Building Technology ; Art History
• Term: from 2017 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 378537768

The aim of the project is the scientific examination of the work of the German-Israeli architect and architectural historian Dr. Myra Warhaftig (1930-2008), whose estate was transferred from Israel to the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) for recording and research. As an architect and architectural theorist Myra Warhaftig made her name in the field of feminist architecture. Her dissertation, Die Behinderung der Emanzipation der Frau durch die Wohnung und die Möglichkeit zur Überwindung (TU Berlin 1978), and her contribution to the International Building Exhibition 1984 (IBA) in Berlin are considered pioneering works in this field. As an architectural historian Myra Warhaftig is known for her books and essays on the exile of Jewish architects during the Nazi period, which are the results of decades of research in this field. On the basis of the materials in the estate the project will, on the one hand, focus Warhaftigs contribution to feminist architecture. On the other hand the letters, photographs and documents on Jewish architects in exile (a total unit of approximately 9.000 units) will be digitalized for scientific research.Beyond academic career paths, with a maximum of personal effort, Myra Warhaftig succeeded in living the life of a scientific architect. In her biography, her work, her ideas and concepts, the social history of female architects in Germany and the German-Jewish history of the 20th century are reflected. The examination of her legacy is therefore not only of architectural importance, but also of social relevance.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants