Imagine this: It’s the 1950s. Berlin is divided, and a new generation seeks to rebuild. Right here stands the Studentendorf Schlachtensee.
The Studentendorf Schlachtensee is more than just a place to live. It embodies the spirit of post-war Germany. It was conceived as a home for students. It was a place to foster democratic ideals. The Studentendorf Schlachtensee aimed to transform young people into engaged citizens.
Financed by a generous donation from the U.S. government, the Studentendorf Schlachtensee became Berlin’s first newly built academic residence after the war. Its architecture was designed to support the rejection of totalitarianism. The hope was that future leaders would find not only housing here but also a political and democratic education.
The architects Hermann Fehling, Daniel Gogel, and Peter Pfankuch designed the Studentendorf Schlachtensee as an urban landscape across five hectares. They arranged 28 houses in a seemingly random manner. The buildings included twelve houses for men and six for women. Also included were the mayor’s office, a shop, and a library. Later additions included a community center.
The buildings were designed to foster community. Rooms were small, but communal spaces were large. These spaces encouraged interaction. The architects mixed housing types to avoid monotony. There were multi-story cube-shaped houses, Z-shaped houses, and standalone houses. The community house stands out with its expressive design and overhanging roof.
The Studentendorf Schlachtensee’s architectural design promotes community and individuality. The buildings feature asymmetrical facades and varied color schemes. Each student room was about ten square meters and included standardized furnishings. The architects designed 36 furnishing variations to give each room a unique feel. Black paint indicated common areas. White indicated individual living spaces. This expressed the idea of an individualistic yet communal living.
The landscape design by Hermann Mattern further enhances this concept. He grouped the houses around a village square. Diagonal paths connect the houses, fostering a sense of community. The design integrates birch groves, connecting the present with the past.
The community center, built during the second phase, originally housed a cafeteria and auditorium. The cafeteria became the Club A18 in 1974, a popular spot to this day. The former library is now a learning lounge. The former shop is now a kindergarten.
Despite its historical significance, the Studentendorf Schlachtensee faced demolition in 2001. However, former and current residents rallied to save it. In 2004, the Berlin House of Representatives agreed to sell the Studentendorf to a cooperative. Since then, the cooperative has been renovating the buildings.
In 2006, the Federal Republic of Germany declared the Studentendorf Schlachtensee a cultural monument of national importance. Today, the Studentendorf Schlachtensee continues to be a vibrant community. It accommodates around 900 students, fostering a sense of democracy and community.
The Studentendorf Schlachtensee has also appeared in popular culture. Scenes from the movie “The Reader” were filmed in House 2. Even scenes from the 1993 movie “Aliens” were shot here. The Studentendorf Schlachtensee stands as a testament to the power of community. It shows the importance of preserving history. It also embodies the spirit of rebuilding and renewal.