Walter Jonas, Intrapolis, 1958 (via dprbarcelona)

“Walter Jonas was born on 1910 in Oberursel, Germany. He was a graphic artist and art critic, but his researches and interest led him to design a city called Intrapolis. Based on his finding that traditional or modern homes were all oriented towards the outside, but instead of great landscapes and views, they had noise, dust and noxious gases, Jonas has worked in rethinking the meaning of “home”. Inspired by a trip to Brazil in 1958, Jonas has developed a vision of a new humane urban form: the Intrapolis. This is directed against the traditional way of urban development.

His funnel city is a kind of artificial valley with homes opening to the interior of the funnel. The design of the terraced, inward-arranged housing is compact and allows good light and visibility. Through the funnel-shaped building structure more undeveloped green space for the public is available.

Each funnel is formed, until the first third of its height, with the facilities for which artificial light is sufficient. Administration, department stores, cinemas and other public facilities are housed in the funnel base. Each funnel has a superstructure that supports the central patio or planted with trees. Schools are often grouped around the patio, on the circle below, then on the following circles which follow-shaped arena, lay the apartments and gardens. The individual units may be increased or decreased as needed. Jonas believes that such a funnel structure to promote the solidarity of the residents themselves and also just the older generation would integrate better into the community.”