These walls have stories to tell. They whisper of a time when the Schulerkolonie Dahlem Internat stood as a symbol of privilege and progress. Imagine young scholars residing in these very buildings.
The Schulerkolonie Dahlem Internat was more than just a boarding school. It was a unique experiment. Established between 1906 and 1911 it embodied a novel approach to education. Wealthy families sent their sons here. These privileged students lived in individual houses. Each house was overseen by a teacher couple. This created a family-like atmosphere.
The architects Reimarus & Hetzel the Hennings brothers and Heinrich Schweitzer designed the buildings. Nine houses were completed. They were initially named after noble families like Askanien Babenberg and Wettin. Each house comfortably accommodated 16 students a teacher couple and a maid. Modern amenities like bathrooms heating hot water and electricity were standard.
The exteriors showcase a fascinating variety of architectural styles. The interiors however followed a consistent layout. The teachers’ quarters a large entrance hall and a communal dining room occupied the ground floor. Upstairs were the students’ bedrooms. The attic housed servants’ rooms and student studies. The basement contained the utility rooms kitchen bathrooms and heating system.
Two buildings were destroyed in World War II. One building was damaged and rebuilt in 1953-54. Today the remaining buildings of the former Schulerkolonie Dahlem Internat serve as social housing. The layout of the once extensive grounds has changed due to modern construction. Tennis courts and a sunbathing area which once existed are gone. Only a trace of the original village-like street layout remains.
The Schulerkolonie Dahlem Internat remains a testament to early 20th-century educational ideals and architectural creativity. It’s a legacy etched into the very bricks and mortar before us. These buildings silently observe the flow of time. They bear witness to the changes in Berlin and its educational landscape.