Guided tour

Contending Architecture: Werner Düttmann and the Hansaviertel [German]
City walk with POLIGONAL

The two political systems of the Cold War stood side by side in a divided Germany. Both West Berlin and the capital of the young GDR—East Berlin—wanted to define their own identities through this direct juxtaposition. In the battle between socialist and liberal-democratic systems, the reconstruction of Berlin took on a highly politicised character. When the redevelopment of Stalinallee became East Berlin’s flagship project of socialist classicism, West Berlin responded with an international building exhibition in the Hansaviertel, Interbau 57, which was to become a showcase of post-war modernism. The most renowned architects of the time were invited to realise their architectural visions in the Hansaviertel, including Walter Gropius, Alvar Aalto, Egon Eiermann, Oscar Niemeyer and Werner Düttmann, who, in addition to the Akademie der Künste (Academy of Arts), also designed the Hansabücherei (Hansa Library).

This walk by POLIGONAL Office for Urban Communication takes us to Düttmann’s creations in the Hansaviertel and compares them to those of his contemporaries, whose buildings also played a role in world politics.


Meeting point: Hansabücherei, Altonaer Straße 15, 10557 Berlin
Duration: approx. 60 mins

Please note that this walk will take place in all weather.

Ticket booking is required to attend this event. You can purchase an online ticket on the exhibition website wernerduettmann.de two weeks before the event.

Note: The current distance and hygiene regulations apply, as well as a general mask obligation. The obligation to test is waived.

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