Nestled within Berlin’s vibrant Schöneberg district lie the Schöneberger Terrassen. These terraces hold a unique story. They whisper tales of architectural innovation and social change. The Schöneberger Terrassen stand on the grounds of the former Schöneberger Schlossbrauerei. This brewery, once a bustling hub, closed its doors in 1975. The demolition paved the way for something new. An ambitious inner-city housing project began to take shape.
The Schöneberger Terrassen emerged between 1976 and 1979. Architect Waldemar Poreike designed this complex. The Gemeinnützige Siedlungs- und Wohnungsbaugesellschaft (GSW) commissioned the project. It provided 563 apartments. It also included 18 commercial units and 350 garage parking spaces. The design blended block perimeter buildings with terraced structures of varying heights within the block’s interior. This created a complex and diverse housing environment.
Five building elements are arranged around two large courtyards. Six-story houses line the streets. A five- to seven-story building and an eleven-story terraced tower stand within. Most of the apartments, ranging from one to five rooms, feature spacious balconies or terraces. The six-story U-shaped building on Dominicusstraße opens towards the street. Its ground floor houses shops, restaurants, and medical practices. The upper-floor apartments have glazed loggias facing the inner courtyard.
The facades along the side streets appear more closed off. Ground-level parking garages with exposed concrete walls and narrow light slits contribute to this effect. The apartments above are set back slightly. The construction, using prefabricated concrete elements, showcases the aesthetics of the 1970s. The decorative balcony railings, bold color schemes, and a concrete fountain by Paul Brandenburg in the southern courtyard all speak to this era. Interestingly, Poreike had designed a residential development for the entire block back in 1973 for the then-owner, Kindl-Brauerei. After minor modifications, the older buildings at Prinz-Georg-Straße 3-5 and Ebersstraße 16-18 were integrated and renovated. They now house 64 apartments.
Between 1999 and 2002, the Schöneberger Terrassen underwent renovations and modernization. Entrances were glazed. A new lighting system and a concierge lodge were added. These measures, along with video surveillance and new courtyard landscaping, aimed to enhance the complex’s attractiveness and safety. The once-green stairwells were repainted gray. The Schöneberger Terrassen represent more than just housing. They embody the evolution of urban living. Their story intertwines with the changing face of Berlin itself. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the social and architectural trends of the late 20th century.