in 1925 the Deutscher Werkbund proposed that an exhibition be held in 1927 to demonstrate the latest thinking about housing design, interior fittings, and construction technology. the city of Stuttgart and various materials suppliers contributed land and money for the construction of thirty-three permanent buildings on the hill side on the out skirts of the city. Mies, as vice-president of the Werkbund, was placed in charge of the enterprise; he developed the master plan and contributed the design of a block of flats. with characteristic generosity he invited participation by sixteen leading architects from across Europe, assigning them sites for detached houses, duplexes, or row house. the permanent buildings became known as the Weissenhof Siedlung.