Consider Gartenstadt Berne a living testament to a vision. It is a vision of community and self-sufficiency born in the wake of the First World War. Imagine Hamburg in the early 20th century. The city was grappling with rapid industrialization and a severe housing shortage.
The Gartenstadt Berne emerged as an answer. It was an innovative solution rooted in the garden city movement. This movement sought to combine the best aspects of urban and rural living.
In 1919, the Gartenstadt Hamburg eG acquired 55 hectares of land. The area was part of the former Berne estate. This acquisition marked the beginning of a unique experiment in cooperative living. The goal was to create affordable homes with ample space for gardens. Residents could grow their own food.
The first construction projects began in 1922. They reflected the ideals of the garden city movement. The plans included 540 predominantly semi-detached houses. These homes were nestled between Beim Farenland, Berner Heerweg, Berner Allee, St. Jürgenstraße and Kleine Wiese. The average living space was 73 square meters. Each house had a large plot of land. This allowed families to cultivate fruit and vegetables.
Karl Prestinari designed the first houses on Berner Heerweg. These were terraced houses with mostly four apartments. Friedrich Richard Ostermeyer took over the planning in 1921. He designed single-story semi-detached houses in plastered construction. These were built between 1921 and 1924. After 1925, clinkered partly two-story houses emerged around the Berner Wald.
Initially, the settlers tried to build their homes themselves. They were mostly trade unionists and social democrats. They were all craftsmen by profession. They worked on the houses in their free time on Sundays. However, this self-help approach was soon abandoned. It turned out that it did not lead to any savings.
Fritz Schumacher built the Lienaustraße school in 1930. It served the community’s educational needs. The Gartenstadt Hamburg eG still owns and manages the properties.
Today, Gartenstadt Berne remains an exemplary example of the German garden city movement. It stands as a reminder of a time when urban planning prioritized community and sustainability. Since 1985, the settlement has been under environmental protection. In May 2013, 94 percent of it was listed as a historical monument. This ensures that the unique character of Gartenstadt Berne is preserved for future generations. As you wander through the streets, notice how the architecture and green spaces blend together. This creates a harmonious living environment.