I’d walked past this Kreuzberg block numerous times without noticing it; it’s entirely grey (I’m surprised it wasn’t given a ‘mediterranean’ colour scheme like Fraenkelufer). But its curved roofline and subtle detailing into the adjoining block mark it out as different.
The block was constructed as part of the IBA 1987, which included major refurbishing/part rebuilding of other buildings on the block (numbered as ‘Block 121′, part of the Altbau programme). However, Bonjour Tristesse (nos 1-9) is the key piece of ‘architecture’. What’s interesting, I think, is the integration into the surrounding blocks, of a roofline and plan shape unfamiliar to Berlin.
I also managed to sneak in round the back recently (access to hofs are often controlled) so a couple of poorish quality camera snaps.
Clearly the plan shape is fundamentally different from the traditional rectilinear plans of the surrounding late 19th centry blocks. Best to view it from above, which hopefully works via the wonder of Google maps via this link. If it doesn’t, just search for the curvy block at the junction of Schlesische Strase and Falckensteinstrasse. The block address numbers don’t seem to help much.
Finally, one of Manchester University’s ever useful videos on the subect…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noNDkNbV3IA]
Hi Jim, thanks for your comment and link to me. I’m looking forward to following along your urban explorations. Best, Yvonne
Hi . i am a urban design student from university of tehran (iran)and for writting my proposal , i need information about iba projects but i can not achieve anything about it . please help me .
Hi Maryam, good to hear from you.
What I know about the IBA is mainly poured into this blog! If you look at the links down the right hand side, there’s links to various pages that I’ve written, and also to a magazine piece I wrote on the same subject. The main links:
http://jimhudsonwriting.wordpress.com/2009/10/13/blueprint-magazine-comment-piece/
http://www.architectureinberlin.com/?p=119
http://www.architectureinberlin.com/?p=154
http://www.architectureinberlin.com/?p=218
The main thing I would say about the IBA is that it’s important not for its architectural style (some, good, some bad, some ugly!) but about how it is a snapshot of a period in architectural and planning history that was rejecting ‘orthodox’ modernism. Looking back, the rejection of modernism as a style was largely unsuccessful, but the rejection of modernist orthodoxy in urban planning fared better. It’s important to note though, that the founding fathers of modernism had no single voice, or single view, particularly in respect of the design of cities, and many critics take the view that ‘modernist’ city planning as the public knows and hates it (concrete tower blocks housing the poor in most western cities) had little to do with the original theories of the early modernists.
Hope this helps!
Jim
PS you’re my first comment from Iran – would be very interested to hear about life and studying there.
Interesting to see that the “bonjour tristesse” tag, that appeared right after the completion, is still here after all these years and belongs to the building!
The building looks quite dirty now, so my only wish is that someone just paint the “bonjour tristesse” again right after they will paint the building new again! One will have to film that its a really nice architectural happening to do!
Nils
Im The Second Commenter from Iran