Umriss einer Fassade mit getrepptem Giebel 

Karl Ballenberger made this drawing, "Umriss einer Fassade mit getrepptem Giebel," which translates to "Outline of a Facade with Stepped Gable," while working in Frankfurt in the mid-19th century. During this time, Frankfurt was experiencing rapid urban growth and industrialization, transforming its physical and social landscape. Ballenberger’s sketch captures the architectural details of a stepped gable facade, a style that reflects the historical consciousness and revivalism in architecture during the period. What interests me here is not just the facade itself, but the historical context it invokes. Buildings were not simply structures; they were statements reflecting cultural identity and aspirations. The stepped gable, with its echoes of medieval and Renaissance styles, suggests a desire to connect with a rich cultural past amidst the changes of the industrial age. As you look at this simple sketch, consider what it means to build, to preserve, and to remember in a world undergoing constant transformation. What aspects of our cultural heritage do we choose to highlight, and what do we leave behind?