Sixty-three-eight windows gaze upon Dresden. This is the Haus der Presse a thirteen-story high-rise. It stands proudly on Ostra-Allee.
The Haus der Presse is more than just an office building. It’s a symbol. It represents a shift in architectural style. A transition from traditional German design to the International Style. Completed in 1966 it was even awarded the prestigious title of “best building in Dresden”.
Imagine the construction beginning in 1960. Workers tirelessly built this complex. It wasn’t just the high-rise. There was also a low-rise building for publishing. A printing press stood nearby. The whole area included green spaces. The design was innovative for its time. The building was the first high-rise in East Germany made from prefabricated elements. A truly remarkable feat of engineering. A testament to the era’s ambition.
Inside this architectural marvel ran a pneumatic tube system. Can you picture the rush of documents zipping through the building? The building housed the editorial staff of the Sächsische Zeitung. The Bezirksredaktion of Neues Deutschland also worked there. Even a bookstore a hairdresser and a DEWAG shop occupied space within its walls. Employees enjoyed a dedicated cafeteria. A rooftop terrace offered stunning views. It even had its own dedicated railway connection. A planned river-based supply route failed due to a tunnel being too short.
After German reunification the Haus der Presse faced challenges. Flooding in 2002 caused significant damage. The building underwent a major renovation in 2003. It received a striking new copper-green glass facade. The design incorporated typography elements inspired by Vilém Flusser’s book Bird Flights. The original building letters “Haus der Presse” were carefully removed. They now sit in showcases along the street. A nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. The old printing press was demolished. Parking spaces now occupy that area.
Today the Haus der Presse remains a landmark. It stands as a powerful reminder of Dresden’s architectural history. A witness to the city’s evolution. A symbol of innovation resilience and a unique blend of past and present. The building continues to serve as a publishing house for Sächsische Zeitung. It stands as a testament to the ever-changing urban landscape of Dresden.