Ferdinand Kramer on Classicdesign.it
Ferdinand Kramer, a pivotal figure in German modernism, left an indelible mark on architecture and design through his minimalist aesthetic and dedication to functionality and innovation. Born in Frankfurt in 1898, Kramer studied at the Bauhaus and continued his education in Munich under Theodor Fischer, influenced by avant-garde movements like the Deutscher Werkbund. His career took off in the 1920s during his collaboration with Ernst May on the groundbreaking Neues Frankfurt public housing project, a visionary example of urban planning.
A staunch opponent of the Nazi regime, Kramer emigrated to the United States in 1938, where his designs pioneered the concept of flat-pack furniture, foreshadowing the modern trend of affordable, practical furnishings. Upon his return to Germany in 1952, Kramer became the Director of Construction at Goethe University in Frankfurt, where he shaped not only the architecture of the university but also the interiors of over twenty campus buildings.
Today, his work lives on through re-editions by e15, a collection that celebrates the timeless elegance of his designs, striking a perfect balance between craftsmanship and modernity. Ferdinand Kramer's furniture is a testament to simplicity and versatility, bringing his pioneering vision into contemporary homes.