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Letter of 23 November 1955
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Dear Bahá'í Friends:
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The beloved Guardian has received your letter of
November 8th, reviewing further the question of the Bahá'í
Temple in Germany.
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Your letter crossed my communication to you of last
week. The Guardian has asked me to write you further,
making the following points:
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1. He does not approve of either design No. 11335 or
Cupola.
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2. As I have written you previously, he feels that the only
submission which has come to him which lends itself to
adjustment for the Temple in Germany is the design
"Azamat".
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3. As outlined in my letter of last week, the Guardian
does not object to your arranging for another architect to
collaborate with Mr. Hopfner. However in this
collaboration, the general design of the Temple "Azamat"
should be continued; and under no circumstances should it
be changed to resemble the ultra modern architectural type
of building which was the motif of the other submissions.
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4. As the Guardian has indicated, previously, this
building need have seating capacity of only 500 or 600
people.
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5. It should be a more modest structure, as has been
outlined in previous correspondence. The Guardian feels
the height should be not over 30 meters, and the other
proportions of the building should be cut down accordingly.
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6. The Guardian feels the cost should run about
$300,000 or a little more; certainly on the outside not more
than $400,000.
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Therefore in revising the plan, it should be simplified in
such a way as to bring the cost down,--to a figure near
$300,000.
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It is noted in the details of the "Azamat" there are a
number of things still included, which certainly could be
gotten along without, for the time being.
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With the elimination of the Assembly Hall in the
basement, the elimination of the tea kitchen and dining
room, as well as conference rooms, library, archives and the
other rooms contemplated, this should make a rather
material reduction in expense. Likewise the caretaker's
quarters should be eliminated, as the caretaker could
probably live in the basement for the time being. Elevators
need not be considered.
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The basement floor of the Temple in Chicago is cement;
and it would seem if cement is suitable for that Temple, it
would be satisfactory for the Temple in Germany.
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Three years of the Crusade are practically over. The
Guardian hopes therefore that he will receive at an early
date the revision which is proposed of the "Azamat" design,
which should not be materially changed, but may be
simplified so that work may proceed at an early date on the
construction. The Guardian is fearful if this matter
continues to drag, the Temple may not be completed during
the period of the Ten Year Crusade.
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The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf,
and sends you his loving greetings....
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