First published: 16/09/13.

Solivagant 2.0

Berlin Modernism Housing Estates

Berlin Modernism Housing Estates (Inscribed)

Berlin Modernism Housing Estates by Solivagant

As other reviews have shown, it is possible, if you wish, to see all 6 sites in a day using the U-Bahn. For those with less interest or stamina our experience of taking in just 3 with a car might be of use. Our general plan was to pass by Berlin to the west and, whilst so doing, we were able to take in Siemensstadt, Schillerpark and Weiße Stadt in around 2 hours elapsed with what we felt was “reasonable” viewing/ “walking around” time. We started around 5.30pm and didn’t find parking or traffic a problem.

We approached from the South on the A100 and the turn to Siemensstadt is well signed where the Stadtring it is joined by the A111. The road leads to the centre of Siemensstadt via Siemensdamm – turn right at the U-Bahn station along Jungfernheideweg and you are in the Siedlung. We parked without payment or limitation on the right in Goebelstr. The WHS aspects of Siemensstadt are well signed with an information board (in German) in front of each block. At the end of Goebelstr, where it reaches Goebelplatz, is an information centre/café - but it was closed when we were there. The variety of the estate buildings demonstrates well the fact that 6 different architects were each given freedom to develop their own style – my architectural knowledge wouldn’t have been enough to identify whose “block” was whose so it was good to have the explanations!

Next we went to Schiller Park. The first part of this is very easy – just return along Siemensdamm and follow the signs to Wedding along the A100 - a distance of just under 8kms. The final km is a bit more difficult – after the A100 gives way to Seestr, you need to keep an eye open for the significant road of Mullerstr – turn left and then 3rd right into Barfusstr with the Park on either side of you – the estate is N of the park. The main thing to remember is that Schillerpark is to the left of Seestr around 2kms after you join it. If you go too far the housing will have ceased and you will see a park on your left which is an extension of Schillerpark – in which case, work your way round by dead reckoning! We saw no signs in Schiller Park advertising its WHS status and certainly its housing was the least “notable” of the 3 estates we saw – which of course could indicate just how significant it was in setting the future standard for such estates! Unlike the other estates we saw it was the work of just one architect –Bruno Taut.

Schillerpark to Weiße Stadt is incredibly easy. You reach it by continuing N along Barfusstr which becomes Aroser Allee where it bears left (you have no alternative). After 1 km you are there and you can’t miss the iconic blocks and, finally, the Bridge House overflying Aroser Allee (photo). There was signage here, primarily for the Seidlung as a whole, but we also found a tribute to one of the 3 architects involved - the Jewish architect Bruno Ahrends who was responsible for the main Aroser Allee “sweep”. In our eyes this estate had perhaps the most memorable visible impact but I wouldn’t suggest missing out either of the other 2 given the relative ease with which they could be fitted in to provide a range of experiences.

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