Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Elisabeth-Charlotte Harling Architectural Collection
Harling, Elisabeth-Charlotte, 1922-2011
Ms.1999.007
5.3 Cubic Feet
1 box, 4 oversize folders
1950-1998
The Elisabeth-Charlotte Harling Architectural Collection consists of architectural drawings, photographs, specifications, correspondence, newspaper clippings, publications, and other materials organized in two series, documents and drawings.
The materials in the collection are in English.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Elisabeth-Charlotte Harling Architectural Collection, Ms1999-007, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
The Elisabeth-Charlotte Harling Architectural Collection were donated to Special Collections in 1998.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Elisabeth-Charlotte Harling Architectural Collection commenced and was completed in January 2000.
Biographical Note
Elisabeth-Charlotte Harling was born on February 2, 1922 in Osnabrueck, Germany. She earned a diploma in Interior Design from the State School of Crafts and Applied Arts in Weimar. Her course of study included three months practical experience in a cabinetmaker's shop (1941-1943). In 1944 she attended the College of Architecture and Applied Arts in Weimar for a semester of architectural studies.
In 1944-1945, she was a teaching assistant in the history of architecture for Professor Denis Boniver in Weimar, and in 1945-1946, she worked at the British Area Works Office in Osnabrueck, gaining experience in interior design, construction supervision, and maintenance staff supervision. During 1946-1947 she worked for the architectural firm of Theo Burlage and Niebuhr in Osnabrueck, focusing on design and construction of residential and commercial buildings.
Harling returned to college in the Department of Architecture at the Technical University of Stuttgart, where she received her diploma in architecture. She traveled extensively in Europe, visiting Italy, Switzerland, France, Greece, and, England.
Harling began her professional career as an independent architect in 1953 when she designed and constructed the residence of Dr. Pante in Neuenkirchen, Germany.
In addition to designing as an independent architect, Harling was employed as architect and interior designer for several architectural firms. She has completed projects in France, Switzerland and Germany.
Harling died November 19, 2011.
Below is a list of firms and projects.
Suter and Suter in Basel, Switzerland, 1955-1961
- Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Reception Pavilion of Sulzer, Winterthur, Switzerland
- Administrative building of Suiselectra, Basel, Switzerland
Harling also worked for Suter and Suter as interior designer on several projects:
- Offices for upper management of Winterthur, Paris, France
- Expansion of Westfalenbank, Bochum, Germany
- Coop Haus, Basel, Switzerland
- New building of Swiss Credit Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Offices for upper management of Lonza, Lonza Highrise, Basel, Switzerland
Otto H. Senn in Basel, Switzerland, 1961-1968
- 1961 Administrative building of "Allgemeine Treuhand," Basel, Switzerland
- 1962-1968 Library of the University Basel, Switzerland
- 1966-1967 Planning of a residential development of 1280 units in Oberes Murifeld-Wittingkofen near Bern, Switzerland
- 1968 Reorganization/reconstruction of the university library in Freiburg, Switzerland
Otto H. Senn - design competitions, 1961-1968
- 1962 Church Complex, Copenhagen, Denmark
- 1965 Stadttheater (theater) in Basel, Switzerland
- 1967-1968 School Im Moos, in Riehen near Basel, Switzerland
State University and Building Department in Konstanz, Germany, 1969-1984
- 1969-1972 Planning and design of Central Functions for a new University Library of the Konstanz University
- 1974-1982 Design and construction supervision of a Natural Sciences Library at the new University of Konstanz
- 1983-1984 Renovation of a historic administrative building in Konstanz
Independent architect
- 1965 Abbey St. Marie de Boulaur, Boulaur, France: reconstruction of a guesthouse of a Cistercian cloister
- Vianney Hospital, Ueberlingen am Bodensee, Germany: reconstruction and interior design of a chapel
- 1989 Convent St. Marie de Rieunette, near Carcassonne, France: Reconstruction of a destroyed Cistercian convent
Publications and Presentations
- 1966 article "Notizen zum Heutigen Wohnungsbau" (remarks on contemporary housing) in the "Schweizer Rundschau"
- 1988-1997 lectures at the Senior Center Konstanz on "New Housing Projects for Senior Citizens in Stuttgart and Freiburg;" "How to Adjust a Residence for Use by Handicapped Persons," and "Introduction to Auditing Courses at the University of Konstanz"
Scope and Content
The Elisabeth-Charlotte Harling Architectural Collection consists of architectural drawings, photographs, specifications, correspondence, newspaper clippings, publications, and other materials organized in two series, documents and drawings. Most of the text of the materials is in German or French. The collection contains 171 drawings covering 18 different projects in which Harling participated while working in cooperation with several architectural firms, the State University and Building Department in Konstanz, Germany, and as an independent architect in France.
The drawings reflect Harling's activities as an interior designer and as an architect. The first folder contains original drawings (ink and pencil) while folders 2,3 and 4 contain printed drawings. The drawings reflect diverse projects, and include comprehensive floor plans, prospects, perspectives and several construction drawings. Additionally, several drawings document her work as interior designer.
During her career Harling participated in the realization of several important design projects while cooperating with diverse architectural offices, universities and as an independent architect. Some of these design projects are represented in the collection by drawings, publications, miscellaneous newspaper clippings, and photographs. In particular the collection contains a significant number of drawings and various related materials regarding the design of the Universitatsbibliothek in Basel, Switzerland (1962-1968). Harling participated in this architectural project while working for the architectural firm of Otto H. Senn. This design is documented with a significant number of original drawings (45), related publications, photographs of drawings and models, and newspaper clippings. Also included are several remarkable original hand colored drawings of the prospects and plans of the building.
While working for Suter and Suter, Harling helped in the design of the Swiss Credit Institute (1960) in Basel, Switzerland and in the realization of an office building for the upper management of Lonza, Lonza Highrise (1960), also in Basel. The two projects are documented in the collection through several drawings, photographs, and other miscellaneous material.
Finally, it is important to mention the drawings and related material regarding two projects that Harling developed while working with the State University and Building Department in Konstanz (Germany). As Architect in charge, she participated in the planning and design of the Central Functions for the new University Library (1969-1972) and in the design and construction supervision of the Natural Sciences Library (1974-1982) at the new University of Konstanz. The Universitatsbibliothek in Basel is represented in 45 drawings, the design for the Central Functions for a New University Library (1969-1972) of the Konstanz University in Germany in 25 drawings, and the Natural Sciences Library, 31 drawings.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged by subject.
Related Archival Materials
Elisabeth-Charlotte Harling also has papers at the University of Stuttgart in Germany.
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the Elisabeth-Charlotte Harling Architectural Collection by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).
History of Women in Architecture
International Archive of Women in Architecture (IAWA)
Women -- History
Women architects -- Germany
Curriculum Vitae199811Correspondence with Inge Horton1998-199912Photographs of Harling; model for the Naturwissenschaftliche Bibliothek, Universitat Konstanz; photographs of a lamp1978-199913La bibliotheque cantonale del' Universitaire, Freibourg197614Chronologische Aufstellung Meiner Arbeiten1950-199515(2) Drawing and photograph of Kapellen Erweiterung1952-196916Photographs of Abbaye Sainte Marie de Rieunette199817Garten und Literatur198818(2) Drawings of Saarbrucken, 1951-1952; (1) Drawing of the Albert Ludwig Universitat, Freiburg, 1989; Seminar: Ansicht des Cortile del Belvedere in Rome von Vatican Palast aus gesehen, 1988-1989; Photographs and drawings of a table, 1984; Modelphotos of Schweizerische Nationalversicherung Basel, n.d.; Modelphotos of Theaterraum mit Orchestergraben, Basel, 1966; Miscellaneous photographs of several design projects, 1950-1995; Notizen zum Wohnbau heute in Schweizer Rundschau, 196719Negatives of Universitats Bibliothek, Basel1964-1967110Schweizerische Bauzeitung, Der Bibliothek der Universitat, Basel, by G. Risch and A. Ostertag1969111Newspapers clippings about the Univeristatsbibliothek in Basel1964-1992112Photographs of the Universitats Bibliothek, Basel1996113Basel Universitatsbibliothek1968114(15) Drawings of the Neubau Universitatsbibliothek, Basel1963-1967115Photographs of Universitats Bibliotek, Basel1965-1968116Photographs of Universitatsbibliothek, Baseln.d.117Miscellaneous newspapers clippings and publications about the Universitatsbauamt, Konstanz1967-1983118(1) Drawing of the Universitatsbauamt, Konstanz1969119(14) Drawings of the Universitat Konstanz Endstufe Giessberg and miscellaneous images and notes regarding the Universitat, Konstanz1969-1976120(9) Drawings of the Neubau Universitatsbibliothek, Basel1958-1967121(6) Drawings of the Neubau Universitatsbibliothek, Basel1958-1968122Photographs of Naturwissenschaftliche Bibliothek, Universitat-Konstanzn.d.123(6) Drawings of the Naturwissenschaftliche Bibliothek, Universitatsbauamt, Konstanz1978-1981124(8) Drawings of the Naturwissenschaftliche Bibliothek, Universitatsbauamt, Konstanz1977-1979125Miscellaneous photographs and (2) drawings of Naturwissenschaftliche Bibliothek, Universitatsbauamt, Konstanz1974-1983126(10) Drawings of Gepolsterter Stahlrohr-Stuhland Tische, Handschriften, Hofbau1964-1967127(2) Drawings and photographs of Empfangspavillon, Basel1956128(5) Drawings and photographs of Coop-Haus, Aeschenplatz1956-1958129Winterthur, Paris, Societes Suisses D'Assurances1957-1959130Images of the Basler Borse-Umbau, Basel1960-1961131Images of Westfalenbank Bochum, Basel1958-1959132(7) Drawings of the Schweizerische Kreditanstalt, Basel1960133Photographs of a model for the Schweizerische Kreditanstalt, Basel; miscellaneous newspaper clippings1958-1964134(3) Drawings of the Cheminee Wohraum II, Basel1960135Edificio Lonza, S.A., in Basilea, Switzerland; images and (2) drawings of the Lonza AG. Burogebaude, Basel1961-1962136(1) Drawing of the Basler Kantonalbank, Basel1960137Alfred-Escher-Haus-Personalrestaurant der Schweizerischen Kreditanstalt, Zurich; images of the Schweiz Kreditanstalt, Zurich1961-1962138Clubhaus, Stuttgart19501Comprehensive plan and perspectiveConstruction detailsPerspective of the interiorsFront facade and perspectiveFront facadesFloor planFloor plan and perspective of interiorsFloor plan and SectionPoster, UIFA, Berlin19841Couvent de Rieunette1992-19941Isometric PerspectiveIsometric PerspectiveDesign of the cells of the first floorFacade N-EFacade N-WSketches of the front facadeFacade S-WFacade S-WFacade of the aisle N-EElevation of the facadeLongitudinal sectionLongitudinal sectionGround floor planFirst floor planGround FloorFacade S-EComprehensive planErweiterung der Kapelle des Vianney-Hospital, Uberlingen1969-19701Plans, front facades, sectionsPlan and section of the TabernackleConstruction details of the KirchenbaenkePlans, section, details of a chapelDesign details of the altarPerspective of the interior of the chapelPerspective of the interior of the chapelCantine, Brussels19561Plan of the ground floorElevations of the facadesPerspective of the interiorsUniversitatsbibliothek, Basel1961-19641Front facade - west sideSouth facadePlan and fronts of a chair.Perspective of the interiorsConstruction drawings for a perspectiveSchulen "Im Moss," Basel19671PerspectiveSections and front facadesSections and front facadesGeneral plansGeneral plansGeneral plansPerspective of the interiorsRoof planAbbey St. Marie De Boulaur1965-19751Sketches of the interiorsDesign details of the bathroomInterior design of a single roomPlans and sectionPlanFacades S-W, N-EPlan, facades and sectionPlans of the dormitoriesFront facades and Sections of the dormitoriesGeneral planUniversitatsbauamt, Konstanz19731Miscellaneous designsGeneral planDreigenerationenhausn.d.1PlansPlansUniversitatsbauamt, Konstanz1972-19821ArbeitsplatzmobelPerspective of the interiorsPerspective construction elementsPerspectiveSketches for axonometric drawingsSketches for axonometric drawingsSketches for axonometric drawingsSketches for axonometric drawingsConstruction drawings for the general planGeneral plan, section, sketchesGeneral plan, section, sketchesGeneral plan, section, sketchesGeneral plan, section, sketchesPlan and sectionPlan level -1.33Plan level +2.67/+4.00Plan and facadesSketches for chairs, tables and benchesSketches for chairs, tables and benchesSketches for chairs, tables and benchesSketches for chairs, tables and benchesSketches for chairs, tables and benchesSketches for chairs, tables and benches2 Miscellaneous drawings19522Planes and front facades of Saarbruecken19522Construction details of Saarbruecken1951-19522Plan for Platz der Weissen rose, Freiburg19892Neubau Universitatsbibliothek, Basel1963-19672Perspective of the TreppenhallePerspective of the TreppenhallePerspective of the Katalog-SaalPerspective of the ZeitschriftenlesensaalPerspective of the LesesaalPerspective of the Grosser LesesaalConstruction detailsConstruction details of Abhorkabinen and TelefonkabinenConstruction details of the Tur and SchrankConstruction details of Zeitschriften table in PlexiglasConstruction details of the ZeitschriftenlesesaalPlanes and sections of the MusikzimmerConstruction detailsPlans and sections prospects of MappenschankeConstruction details of Mappenschanke and AuskunftskorpusNeubau Universitatsbibliothek, Basel1964-19672Construction details of SchreibmaschinenkorpusConstruction details of Tisch Erfrischungs RaumConstruction details of Tische HandschriftenDetails of StahlrohrstuhlSketches of StahlrohrstuhlSketches of StahlrohrstuhlPlans and front and lateral facades of StahlrohrstuhlPlan and front of Gepolsterter StahlrohrPerspective of StahlrohrstuhlPlan, front and lateral facades of StahlrohrstuhlNeubau Universitatsbibliothek, Basel1958-19642Construction details and general plan of Galerie UntersichtenFront facade Hofbau Sud BotanischerkgartenFloor plan at level +3.05 mProspect of a front facade Verwaltung West SchonbeinstrasseProspect of the front facade Kopfbau Nord BernoullistrasseSection of the building H-HSection of the building G-GFloor plan level +9.00 m DachgeschossFloor plan level +6.60 m ObergeschossNeubau Universitatsbibliothek, Basel1958-19612Floor plan level + 0.00m HauptgeschossFloor plan level - 2.97 m Erdgeschoss DFloor plan level - 6.27 m UntergeschossFloor plan level - 7.70 ZwischenkellerFloor plan level - KlimazentraleFloor plan level - 10.45 mNaturwissenschaftliche Bibliothek Universitatsbauamt, Konstanz1978-19812Carrel aus mobilen elementen design and disposition into floor planDesign details: Ermittlung Negative and Positive EckenConstruction details: Montagewarne and Abgeh, PaneeldeckenConstruction details: Montagewarne and Abgeh, PaneeldeckenConstruction details: MetallfensterConstruction details: Windfang-TerrassenanschlussNaturwissenschaftliche Bibliothek Universitatsbauamt, Konstanz1977-19792Miscellaneous construction detailsMiscellaneous construction detailsConstruction details - Grundriss - BalkenlageFloor plan and details - Dachstuhl and StutzendetailsFloor plan SchalplanFloor plan SchalplanFloor plan Schalplan FundamenteFloor plan Betriebsstufe D Ebene Entwasserungs and Fundament planNaturwissenschaftliche Bibliothek Universitatsbauamt, Konstanz1974-19773Prospect section - Betriebsstufe C2Details of the facadeNaturwissenschaftliche Bibliothek Universitatsbauamt, Konstanz19693Floor plan and details - Zentraler Bereich and GeisteswissenschaftenNaturwissenschaftliche Bibliothek Universitatsbauamt, Konstanz1969-19763Floor plan and details - Bankelemente TesteingebautDesign studies for a tableDesign details for ArbeitstischDesign details for ArbeitsplatzmobelConstruction details for Stutzmauerisolierung am ForumConstruction details for Treppe von Eingangshalle level +0,63 m.Construction details for Oberlichter im InformationszentrumConstruction detail for AussentreppeConstruction details and floor plan - Zentraler Bereich and GeisteswissenschProspect section of Betriebsstufe B Zentraler Bereich Sud and OstansichFloor plan Informationszentrum GrundrissFloor plan Betriebsstufe B - Zentraler BereichCross section Baustufe A/B BuroComprehensive floor planEmpfangspavillon, Basel19564ProspectsConstruction detailsCoop Haus-Aeschenplatz1957-19584Design detailsDesign details of a benchInterior design details for a restaurantDesign details for the composition of an interior frontPerspective of bank-kassenhalleSchweizerische Kreditanstalt, Basel19604Perspective of exterior of the buildingPerspective of the exterior of the buildingDesign details - SchreibtischeDesign details - Schreibtische and HockerDesign details for an interior frontDesign details for a chairDesign details for a chairCheminee Wohnraum II, Basel19604Perspective of the interiorsPerspective of the interiorsPerspective of the interiorsEdifice Lonza S.A., Basilea, SwitzerlandPerspective of the interiorsFloor planBasel Kantonalbank19604Construction details for the design of the facade