Consider the vibrant blue hue. It adorns this building before us. This is the Blaues Haus. It is no ordinary building. The Blaues Haus has witnessed Dresden’s transformation.
This eight-story building was constructed between 1958 and 1960. Architects Alfred Gottfried and Georg Wolf designed it. They used a steel-concrete skeleton assembly method. The Blaues Haus was innovative for its time. Its design marked a shift away from national traditions. It embraced modern, functional styles.
The name “Blaues Haus” comes from the blue tiles on its facade. These tiles were made of Meissen ceramic. They gave the building its distinctive look. The Blaues Haus originally housed the Central Research Institute for Labor. It provided space for 400 workplaces. There was also a dining hall with 100 seats. Later, a festival hall with 120 seats was added.
Look closely at the adjacent flat building. You will spot a sgraffito by Dietmar Gubsch. He created it in 1967 as a student. In 2013, Gubsch himself restored his work. The sgraffito reflects a balance between work and leisure. It aligns with the institute’s focus on labor protection.
Step inside the foyer. Admire the rectangular decorative pillar. It features Meissen porcelain tiles. The tiles showcase red, blue, and white tones. You can see crossed swords and the inscription “E.G. Clauss” at the pillar’s base. Eduard Gerhardt Claus designed the pillar. He was a Dresden graphic artist and porcelain painter. His designs demonstrate the artistic ambition of the Blaues Haus.
The Blaues Haus faced changes after the reunification of Germany. For a short time, the employment agency was located here. In 2012 and 2013, the building was converted into apartments. The non-load-bearing walls were removed. This created 68 two-room apartments. Each apartment measures 50 to 65 square meters. Balconies were added to the facade. The damaged blue facade tiles were removed. Now, blue color fields remind us of its original design.
The historic dining hall on the top floor could not be saved. It was in poor condition. It was converted into apartments. However, the freestanding roof was preserved. So was the rectangular decorative pillar in the foyer.
The Blaues Haus stands as a testament to Dresden’s architectural history. Its innovative design and artistic details make it special. The Blaues Haus is a reminder of Dresden’s post-war modernism. It has adapted to the changing times. The Blaues Haus remains a prominent landmark.