November 1897: The first land register entry. Two years later, the heart of the new industrial complex began to beat. But, why here? A completely undeveloped area with forest, marshy sandy soil or swamp.
A difficult building site right from the start. And: the neighbouring city of Charlottenburg wanted to prevent the settlement by all means. Why?
Only two architects shaped the appearance over decades. One developed the master plan and yet is almost forgotten.
The other created the typical “Siemens style” of architecture. Or rather, two styles. One, ultra-modern, for the industrial buildings and the other, with lots of green, for the residential & leisure buildings. Entirely different.
This tour is part of the “Route der Industriekultur Berlin” and the only tour specifically about Siemensstadt.
Industrial culture meets housing. Building monument next to traffic monument next to garden monument next to industrial monument.
A model city for the interaction of work – living – leisure.
Guided by Christian Fessel, the long-time head of the Information Center for the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Settlements of Berlin Modernism – Large Settlement Siemensstadt / Ring Settlement Siemensstadt":
As always with these city tours, both historical and social aspects are addressed. Not dry, boring and crammed with numbers, but relaxed, entertaining and interesting for all.
(Program in German)