Karl Roll

Karl Roll (1903-1987) was a German architect and urban planner. He is best known for his contributions to post-World War II reconstruction efforts in Stuttgart, Germany.

Roll studied architecture at the Technical University of Stuttgart, graduating in 1926. He initially worked in private practice before joining the Stuttgart city planning department in 1938. During the war, he was involved in planning for potential bombing damage.

After the war, Roll played a significant role in rebuilding Stuttgart, which had been heavily damaged by Allied bombing. He was particularly influential in the design and implementation of the "autogerechte Stadt" (car-oriented city) concept, prioritizing vehicular traffic and accessibility. This approach, while aiming to modernize the city, has been criticized in later years for its impact on pedestrian environments and urban sprawl.

Key projects attributed to Roll include significant aspects of the Stuttgart city center reconstruction, particularly the configuration of major roads and transportation infrastructure. His work helped shape the modern urban landscape of Stuttgart, although its long-term consequences continue to be debated. Roll retired from his position in the Stuttgart city planning department in 1968.