Parkstadt Solln

“A city planned within a park,” the architect mused, “that’s the future.” That’s how the story of Parkstadt Solln begins. A sprawling development envisioned as a harmonious blend of urban living and verdant tranquility. Parkstadt Solln, built in the 1960s on what was once farmland, was Munich’s answer to the housing shortage. This ambitious project, a brainchild of architect Ernst Maria Lang, aimed to create a “city within a park,” a self-contained community. Lang’s vision for Parkstadt Solln was meticulously structured. He envisioned buildings cascading in height, subtly transitioning from the quaint, historic Solln to the modern apartments. He envisioned green pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, meandering through the heart of the development. Parkstadt Solln boasts a unique collection of buildings. You’ll find Atrium houses, their L-shaped design embracing private gardens. Kettenhouser, or “chain houses,” stand as a testament to innovative urban planning, each home with its own garden oasis. Then there are “Max and Moritz”, two striking high-rises affectionately nicknamed after the mischievous duo from Wilhelm Busch’s stories. These towers, with their dynamic facades and integrated planters, are considered prime examples of how to design high-rise living right. And then there’s the DEBA high-rise. This 20-story giant, initially planned as a hotel for the 1972 Olympics, dominates the Parkstadt Solln skyline. While its sheer size might initially impress, some consider its architectural execution, a stark box-like structure, a missed opportunity. Parkstadt Solln stands today as a testament to the architectural aspirations of a bygone era. It’s a place where green spaces wind between buildings, a reminder of the original vision: a city that breathes, that lives, within the embrace of a park.