Die Anfänge der Zeitschrift Raumforschung und Raumordnung (RuR) – 1936 bis 1944. Zeit- und Ungeist im Umbruch

Abstract

This paper is based on intensive study of the contents of the journal “Raumforschung und Raumordnung” (RuR) – from its first publication in 1936 to its (temporary) discontinuation in 1944. It was the forum for the new scientific and political thoughts and reflections that were formed in this field during the Nazi era and was supported by the institutions in charge of its publication: the “Reich Association for Spatial Research” (RAG) and the “Reich Agency for Spatial Planning” (RfR). The aim of the paper is to uncover which social developments and accompanying intellectual groundwork from the time before 1933 the authors were able to build upon, both positively and negatively, and which expositions paid tribute to the (malevolent) spirit of the times and the goals of the Nazi regime. The contradiction between professional competence and intellectual subservience to the Nazi regime, or even the perversion of professionality, is revealed in the career behaviour of academics and practitioners, almost all of whom were born around 1900. Their activities after 1945 and their future careers are mentioned but are not the subject of this paper.

Keywords

• Spatial research and planning
• Nazi era
• urban-rural issues
• Eastern policy
• Second World War