Behind the scenes of the "exotic dream world" Wilhelma (1842-64).
Technical innovations for the realization of the pleasure palace of King Wilhelm I of Württemberg.
Doctoral candidate: Isabell Eberling, M. Sc.
First reviewer: Prof. Eva von Engelberg-Dočkal
As part of her ongoing dissertation project, Isabell Eberling is researching the (structural) technical innovations used in the construction of the Stuttgart palace complex "Wilhelma" (1842-64) and their role models. The pleasure palace, built by court architect Ludwig von Zanth on behalf of King Wilhelm I of Württemberg, is characterized by a richly ornamental and detailed design in the then ultra-modern "Moorish style". In addition to the orientalizing architecture, the exotic dream world is completed by an extensive, exotic plant world, the cultivation of which was only possible through various greenhouses. The greenhouses are integrated into the design concept from the very beginning and are characterized by their filigree ornamentation. Innovations in the field of cast iron and greenhouse technology were fundamental to the realization of this unique fairytale castle. Zanth gathered his technical knowledge during a tour of France, England and the Netherlands, among other places. Isabell Eberling researched these early models during a four-week stay in England, which was co-financed by a DAAD research grant for doctoral students (8/2023). The dissertation project enables a new classification of Wilhelma in historicism research and provides insights into the architectural language and building technology history of the 19th century.