Conceived as a beacon of modernization after World War II, the Corbusierhaus stands before us. The Corbusierhaus also known as the Unite d’ Habitation is more than just an apartment building. It embodies a vision of communal living.
Completed in 1959, the Corbusierhaus emerged from the mind of Le Corbusier. He aimed to address Europe’s post-war housing crisis with innovative, large-scale residences. The Corbusierhaus is the fourth building in a series inspired by the Unite d’ Habitation in Marseille, France. The Corbusierhaus was designed for the International Building Exhibition of 1957.
Notice how the Corbusierhaus mirrors the design of its Marseille counterpart. It integrates elements of communal living. The Corbusierhaus fosters a sense of community within its dense living conditions. Inside the Corbusierhaus, you would find a kindergarten, a medical facility and recreational spaces. There is even a garden. This reflects Le Corbusier’s concept of a “city within a city”. Daily activities and needs were brought into one housing block of the Corbusierhaus. It was also an extension of the “vertical garden city” idea. This brought the villa into a high-rise.
The Corbusierhaus intended to inject a modern spirit into Germany. Germany was redefining itself after the war. The Corbusierhaus’s modern structure and béton-brut concrete offer a neutral aesthetic. This aesthetic is composed of egalitarian housing. Standardization and ingenious spatial configuration are trademarks of the Unite series. Corridors were reduced to every third floor to add to its uniqueness.
Le Corbusier repurposed these corridors. They became “rue interieur” or interior streets. This redefined the social parameters of public circulation space. The corridors became communal spaces for neighbors to gather.
Interestingly, the Corbusierhaus deviates from Le Corbusier’s signature Modulor system. The German building code was strict. It had proportion and spatial dimension requirements. These prohibited the Modulor’s proportions. The intended floor-to-floor height of 2.26 meters was altered to 2.5 meters. This displeased Le Corbusier. It affected the location of the brise-soleil.
Despite these differences, the Corbusierhaus remains an example of Le Corbusier’s ideal formula. The Unite series redefined social housing across Europe. The Corbusierhaus stands as a monolithic icon of modern architecture.
Originally named Unite d’Habitation, type Berlin, the Corbusierhaus is a variation of Le Corbusier’s Radiant City concept. Other prominent architects like Walter Gropius and Oscar Niemeyer also participated in the planning efforts for the international residential housing exhibition in Berlin in 1957 known as Interbau 57 or IBA 57.
The Corbusierhaus is located between the Olympic Stadium and a mountain of rubble from WWII ruins. Conception for the building began in 1956. Plans included an accessible roof terrace. Plans also featured a kindergarten and stores. Social service areas were throughout the building. However, authorities and the developer later canceled most of these amenities of the Corbusierhaus.
André Wogenscky oversaw the project in Berlin. Several architects translated the French plans into German. They made alterations to the Corbusierhaus. Each unit has light, a balcony and privacy. A small shop in the lobby is the only common service left today.
Protected since 1996, the building was later called Corbusierhaus. The Reichssportfeldstraße was renamed Flatowallee in 1997. The address of Corbusierhaus is now Flatowallee 16.
Initially social housing, the apartments were privatized in 1979. Over the years, renovations have been made. The south facade has been renovated. The west facade is undergoing reconstruction. Fernand Léger and Le Corbusier designed the exterior colors of the Corbusierhaus. A painted wood model archived at the Berlinische Gallery serves as the source for the color design.
Let’s take one last look at the Corbusierhaus. Consider its impact on social housing and modern architecture. It continues to inspire architects and urban planners worldwide.