Rows of charming houses line the streets. Welcome to Siedlung Oberdorstfeld. This isn’t just any neighborhood. It’s a living monument to Dortmund’s mining past. Built between 1913 and 1919 Siedlung Oberdorstfeld served as housing for the miners of the Dorstfeld colliery.
Architect Oskar Schwer designed this unique garden city. He envisioned a harmonious blend of houses gardens and streets. Notice how the streets twist and turn. It’s not planned chaos. It’s a carefully crafted design. The houses themselves are a sight. There are 35 different house styles. Yet they blend seamlessly. It’s a testament to Schwer’s vision.
The Siedlung expanded between 1920 and 1926. This newer part isn’t a protected monument though. Otto Rudolf Salvisberg designed these additions. He created more one and a half story terraced houses. They reflect the changing needs of the growing mining community.
In 1993 Siedlung Oberdorstfeld became a protected area. It’s now part of the Route of Industrial Heritage. Seventy-one individual buildings also hold protected status. It wasn’t always appreciated. In 1989 Professor Krause’s planning office categorized the 35 house variations into just four types. They saw simplicity where others saw diversity.
Today Siedlung Oberdorstfeld is more than just houses. It’s a reminder. It’s a reminder of the lives of the miners and their families. It’s a tribute to the economic power of coal mining in Dortmund. It’s a charming neighborhood that has stood the test of time. It’s a vibrant community that honors its past. A place where history and modern life seamlessly coexist. Take a moment to breathe it in. Feel the weight of history under your feet. You’re standing in Siedlung Oberdorstfeld a place where the past lives on.