Welcome to our beginner’s guide about White City in Berlin, Germany. In this article, we will explore the
historical significance of White City, the architectural aspects of this unique urban development, and its
lasting impact on the city.
The Vision Behind White City
At the beginning of the 1930s, urban planning and modern architecture was already an emerging tradition. White City, also
translated as Weisse Stadt developed to meet the demand of housing in Berlin after the population density grew. The primary
a goal that has been set was in ensuring that the living space was full of life, energy, the use of the living space should enhance the wellbeing of the people living in it.
residents.
Modernist Architecture
Like many buildings of that period, White City was in fact, an expression of the modernist architectural techniques. Architects such as Bruno
Taut and Martin Wagner had a significant responsibility in designing the buildings. In this they majored on simplicity and functionality of the designs.
and a simultaneous integration of the urban environment.
These buildings were known to be clean, having flat roofed with a predominant use of white to color its facades.
Having extensive use of windows enabled sufficient number of open light sources to be permitted in the apartments.
This design also helped determine the appearance of the area, and offered a single and unique vision.
appearance.
A Model for Social Housing
One of the most important elements of the past importance of White City is the fact that it was a prototype of the social.
housing. The project of which was to build affordable houses for workmen and eradicate social inequality and low-class housing.
improved living standards.
White City was a set of home buildings with various kinds of apartments, starting from tiny ones for
from single bedroom or ‘live in’ accommodation for the more mobile individuals, including singles or young couples, to multiple occupancy accommodations for families. The structure of the buildings also had areas used by many people to share.
including amenities like garden and play area, in order to foster a togetherness among people within the community.
Sustainability is as important as any other aspect of any project, so also structures and other necessary support systems that are required in implementing a given project.
But unlike affordability and community other parameters of White City were also based on sustainable ideas such as
modern infrastructure. Architects paid much attention to space and constructing materials needed to erect erecting the building to a maximum utility.
the available land.
Also, White City had social utilities like central heating and lighting, piped water supply, and electricity – aspects
were not available during the period in question. These advances raised the living standards of the residents to a very significant degree.
the construction of a new benchmark in what can be accomplished in the way of public housing.
Legacy and Impact
White City left its imprint on Berlin as a city as well as on the city’s architecture. It became possible due to its successful design concept that gives out a remarkable try at new design.
strongly emphasized the necessity of creating new social housing projects among which dominated further projects in Germany and other countries.
From the early development period that was characterised by political and economic difficulties, the White City succeeded in establishing
what might be a well-designed and efficient urban neighborhood. It showed that even a relatively simple strategy, implemented with sufficient expertise, can produce material improvements in performance.
of urban planning and demonstrated that quality economical houses could be constructed.
This status offers everyone recognition as UNESCO World Heritage.
Due to architectural value and the key role in the development of social housing, White City got the status
of UNESCO World Heritage Site after the year 2008. This recognition places it in the annals of the history of urban propre.
of the maximal significance is planning and contemporary architecture.
Coming to White City today one can witness the historical outcome of this progressive architectural experiment.
When walking from block to block it is easy to recognize the presence of Modernist architecture and functionality.
design.
Conclusion
White City in Berlin, Germany became the crucial example of the modernistic urbanization and dwelling schemes in the beginning of the twentieth century.
1930s. The concept of modernist architecture, obtaining and using the space at relatively low cost, and including the collective activities’ zones distinguished the new type of
residential developments.
One of the most famous destinations of Tel Aviv is known as “White City” having been recently accorded a UNESCO World Heritage Site status; the city still elicits numerous illustrative examples of architectural and town planning fascination among visitors and architects.
and those living in different parts of the world. This can be viewed as important evidence regarding the role of conceptuality and the conceptors’ paradigms as long-lived societal factors.
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