The Cold War between the West and the East extended to the architectural front as well: the two Germanys competed to see who could rebuild Berlin, which had been destroyed during World War II, in a more original and modern way. After the GDR completed the construction of the showcase project "Palaces for Workers" on Stalin Alley, West Germans began planning their response. In 1957, the Hansaviertel district became the epicenter of the international building exhibition Interbau, for which 36 residential complexes were constructed based on designs by renowned architects from 13 countries. Most of the houses in Hansaviertel were recognized as architectural monuments.
In the late 1950s, Hansaviertel embodied the dream of modern living; today, however, a casual passerby who is unaware of the district's history might easily mistake this exemplary neighborhood in former West Berlin for a fairly ordinary panel housing area.
But now you know that the area is unique, so take a stroll through the green thickets of Tiergarten, admire the buildings, and imagine how people lived and what they dreamed of almost 70 years ago!
If you want to learn more about life in the divided city, book one of the tours with B LONG Berlin!