Hans Poelzig (1869–1936) was a German architect and Expressionist pioneer known for his dramatic, sculptural buildings that merged structure with artistic form. His most famous works include the Großes Schauspielhaus in Berlin, the IG Farben Building in Frankfurt, and industrial structures that combined functionality with monumental aesthetics. Poelzig was instrumental in shaping early modernist architecture, influencing both the Bauhaus movement and later Brutalism. His visionary use of form, light, and texture remains a key reference in 20th-century architectural expression, bridging the gap between ornamentation and functionalist design.