Flusspferdhofsiedlung

Gazing upon the Flusspferdhofsiedlung, one might initially mistake the namesake “hippos” for their equine cousins. These two majestic horse sculptures, crafted by Hans Mettel from limestone, stand proudly in a rectangular water basin, giving the Flusspferdhofsiedlung its unique name. The Flusspferdhofsiedlung, also known as Flusspferdhof, is a captivating residential complex in Berlin’s Alt-Hohenschönhausen district. Its history stretches back to the early 1930s, a period marked by both architectural innovation and socio-political upheaval. Designed by the architects Paul Emmerich and Paul Mebes between 1932 and 1934, the Flusspferdhofsiedlung was originally commissioned by the Gewobag housing cooperative. The initial plan envisioned a sprawling complex with 1554 apartments, some buildings reaching five stories. However, only 883 apartments were ultimately completed, consisting of three parallel four-story buildings with flat roofs, symmetrically arranged. The complex is nestled between Simon-Bolivar-Straße and Goeckestraße. It extends towards Strausberger Straße and Große-Leege-Straße. During the DDR era, the Flusspferdhofsiedlung fell under the management of the KWV (Kommunale Wohnungsverwaltung) and suffered from neglect. A revival came in 1994 when ownership was returned to Gewobag. Between 1995 and 1997, Gewobag undertook extensive renovations, restoring both the apartments and the outdoor spaces to their former glory. Today, the Flusspferdhofsiedlung stands as a testament to the enduring vision of its architects. The buildings embody the principles of Neues Bauen (New Building), a modernist architectural movement that emphasized functional design and social housing. The facades are plastered, with the outer rows featuring recessed central sections. The inner row is interrupted to create a courtyard area, where the horse sculptures and fountain reside. Narrow, horizontal windows mark the stairwells, while balconies adorn the garden side. The courtyard itself is a vibrant community space. The fountain, which operates on weekdays between 8 am and 6 pm (with a break from 1 pm to 3 pm to minimize noise), adds a touch of tranquility. Playgrounds, wooden benches, trees, lawns, and bushes create a welcoming environment for residents of all ages. The Flusspferdhofsiedlung has been recognized for its historical and architectural significance. It is listed as a garden monument in Berlin’s register of historical landmarks. This designation ensures the preservation of this unique piece of Berlin’s architectural heritage for future generations.