The Client's Influence on the Developments of Methods of Construction in Germany

Willy Stöhr acquired his knowledge in the decisive development and innovation period of prestressed concrete before 1945 and became a member of the south German network; consisting of a few persons, of the incipient method of construction. In the early part of the orientation and competitive period of prestressed concrete (1945 to 1965), his knowledge, network and his position as a client combined to become a driving force in prestressed concrete bridge construction (Pelke 2006).

Willy Stöhr's journey through life reflects in an exemplary manner the behaviour of many German engineers in the period between Nazism and reconstruction, technical challenge and political repression, and shows the influence of German administrative engineers and the period when they had an effect on innovations in building.