Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sohn, Hans Poelzig and Hans Scharoun. In 1924 they formed an architectural collective
called Der Ring (The Ring) whose members were united by the desire to break with tradi-
tional aesthetics (especially the derivative Historicism) and to promote a modern, affordable
and socially responsible approach to building.
Their theories were put into practice as Berlin entered another housing shortage. Led by
chief city planner Martin Wagner, Ring members devised a new form of social housing
called
Siedlungen
(housing estates). It opened up living space and incorporated gardens,
schools, shops and other communal areas that facilitated social interaction. Together with
Bruno Taut, Wagner himself designed the Hufeisensiedlung (Horseshoe Colony) in Neuk-
ölln which, in 2008, became one of six Berlin housing estates recognised as a Unesco World
Heritage site.
In nonresidential architecture, expressionism flourished with Erich Mendelsohn as its
leading exponent. This organic, sculptural approach is nicely exemplified by the Universum
Kino (Universum Cinema; 1926), which is today's Schaubühne theatre at Lehniner Platz; it
greatly influenced the Streamline Moderne movie palaces of the 1930s. Emil Fahrenkamp's
1931 Shell-Haus at Reichspietschufer 60 follows similar design principles. Reminiscent of a
giant upright staircase, it was one of Berlin's earliest steel-frame structures concealed be-
neath a skin of travertine. Its extravagant silhouette is best appreciated from the southern
bank of the Landwehrkanal.
