Imagine living in a place conceived within the ideals of the Third Reich. That place is the Siedlung Roter Adler. Today, we explore this unique housing estate in Berlin-Reinickendorf.
Siedlung Roter Adler. Its story is more complex than you might think. Built in 1937 and 1938, the Siedlung Roter Adler embodies a chapter of German history. It was a product of the National Socialist “peoples housing program”. The Siedlung Roter Adler stands as a testament to that era’s approach to residential planning.
Wolfgang Werner designed the Siedlung Roter Adler. Despite material shortages, he created a harmonious community. The Siedlung Roter Adler includes three-story apartment buildings. There are also forty single-family row houses arranged in groups of four.
But how did this Siedlung Roter Adler become a protected monument? After 2007, a resident altered his house in the Siedlung Roter Adler. He added a canopy and replaced a light. The Reinickendorf district asked him to undo the changes. He protested, questioning the monument status. He argued it was inappropriate to honor the Nazi’s housing program initiators.
The administrative court disagreed. It ruled that the Siedlung Roter Adler’s historical context was precisely why it deserved protection. The court recognized its artistic and urban historical significance. Minor changes to individual houses did not diminish the overall value. The added canopy and light gave the house an individual touch. This clashed with the settlement’s uniform style.
A Denkmalpflegeplan or monument preservation plan was developed for the Siedlung Roter Adler. The goal was to adapt the houses to modern needs. Changes to floor plans were considered for the interiors. The plans included dormer extensions for the facade. They also considered winter garden extensions for the garden side. The aim was to increase living space. There were also plans to reorganize the tenant gardens. This was to improve private outdoor space. Despite promising results, the project was not pursued.
Today, the Siedlung Roter Adler stands as a protected historical site. The address is Fräsersteig 2-86 and Roedernallee 57-62. The Siedlung Roter Adler serves as a reminder of the past. It shows how housing policy was used during the Third Reich. It also sparks discussions about preservation and adaptation.
As we leave the Siedlung Roter Adler, consider its layers of history. It is more than just bricks and mortar. It represents a complex narrative of ideology, architecture, and preservation.