1985 | Eckart Schmidt
Seydelstraße 37, 10117 Berlin
Amidst the diverse cityscape of Kreuzberg, lies a striking example of Brutalist architecture - the Spitteleck building. Constructed between 1980 and 1985 under the supervision of architect Eckart Schmidt, the Spitteleck development was a project by BMK Ingenieurhochbau Berlin.
This Brutalist-style building was made using prefabricated concrete components and consisted of 295 residential units, a childcare center, a pair of retail stores, and a dining establishment. The facade featured intricate embellishments, including various animal, flower, and child motifs.
The building's design takes into account the historical street patterns and the height of adjacent structures. It serves as a prime example of the shift in East German urban planning, where preserving and integrating the historically significant structures and surroundings became a priority compared to the socialist city planning approaches of the 1960s and 1970s, such as the nearby Leipzig Street complex. [S1] The well-known Coca Cola neon sign was installed on the rooftop of the building in 1991, shortly after the reunification of Germany. [S2]
Sources: [S1] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitteleck [S2] http://linkekunst.blogspot.com/2007/05/berlin-spitteleck.html
Photos: Eric Bauermeister
