Block defined by Schützenstrasse, Markgrafenstrasse, Zimmerstrasse and Charlottenstrasse
Until 1990, this plot of land was part of
the Berlin Wall complex. Before the war, it was home to newspaper publishers and printers,
part of a district called the newspaper area. After the wall was demolished, the block was
empty, except for only one apartment building.
Rossis extensive research and writing on
the city informs the approach to this complex, which is to recall the former situation in
which many buildings occupied the block. Structurally and functionally, the block is one
building with several interior block courtyards. The appearance, however, is of many
different buildings. Look closely, and you will find that the floors all align, and that
the varied appearance is actually made up of six repeating facade designsa strategy
which simultaneously underlines difference and coherence. Although it looks residential,
the building comprises mostly commercial and office spaces.
Jay Berman 1999
How to visit
Take the Ubahn U2 or U6 either to Stadtmitte
(and walk south along Friedrichstrasse, then east on Schutzenstrasse) or to Kochstrasse
(and walk north along Friedrichstrasse, then east on Schutzenstrasse).
While on Schutzenstrasse visit the Mossehaus by Erich Mendelsohn.