CITÉS DU MODERNISME DE BERLIN

In 2008, UNESCO decided to inscribe Berlin's modernist cities on the World Heritage List: a complex of six housing complexes, witness to a period of prosperity in the German capital between 1910 and 1933. Specifically during the Weimar Republic, innovative housing policies were introduced. New forms of social housing were devised, with the aim of significantly improving the lives of people on low incomes. Bruno Taut, Walter Gropius and Martin Wagner are just three of the architects who left their lasting mark on this type of project. In a way, they were indirectly influenced by Ebenezer Howard's garden cities in the UK.

Falkenberg garden city in Grünau (Gartenstadtweg)

This is the oldest of Berlin's modernist garden cities, designed by Bruno Taut and largely influenced by what was available in England at the same time. The colorful housing estate, which earns it the nickname "paint-box city", comprises 128 houses.

Britz - Hufeisensiedlung housing estate (Fritz-Reuter Allee 44)

This housing estate is famous for its horseshoe shape. Built between 1925 and 1933 to designs by Bruno Taut and Martin Wagner. The architecture is simple and functional, with a park and pond at its center.

Siemensstadt housing estate (Goebelstraße)

This residential complex is located in the Spandau district. No fewer than 1,370 homes were created here by a commissioned group of architects that included Hans Scharoun and Walter Gropius. Each member of the commission was responsible for the construction of an alley within the complex, resulting in a great diversity of styles and architectural curiosity for visitors. There's an information desk on site to help you find out more about the UNESCO listing of the Cities of Modernism (there's another in the Horseshoe City in Britz). Documentation and plans are available from the office, which is housed in a building designed by Fred Forbat in 1929.

Schillerpark residential area (Müllerstraße, Mitte)

No, no, you're not in the Netherlands. And yet, the modernist Schillerpark housing estate in Mitte was built with these distinctive red bricks. The alignments of brick buildings are harmonious, set against a backdrop of lush greenery. The complex comprises around 300 apartments of various sizes.

Weiße Stadt (White City) in Reinickendorf (Emmentaler Straße)

Designed between 1929 and 1931, as the name suggests, white is the predominant color on the facades of the buildings here. The housing estate is designed as a complete living environment, with shops and a medical center. Green spaces are once again well represented on a site divided into three parts, all of which open onto greenery. The apartments are not uniform and different types of kitchens were offered.

Wohnstadt Carl Legien (Erich-Weinert-Straße)

In the Prenzlauer Berg district, built between 1928 and 1930 by the duo Bruno Taut and Franz Hillinger, who pioneered a new concept of four- and five-storey houses and semi-public space. The rows of houses are interconnected by large courtyards with expansive lawns. Color schemes are of paramount importance, structuring the facades.