Oscar-Niemeyer House

The Oscar-Niemeyer House is an eight-story concrete apartment building that rests on V-shaped pillars and stretches about 72 meters (236 feet) in length. Its facade features uniform window rows, loggias, and colorful mosaic decorations, while the interior houses 78 apartments distributed across multiple floors connected by six staircases adorned with primary colors.

The building was created in 1957 by Oscar Niemeyer as part of Interbau, a post-war housing initiative that brought together 48 international architects. This project became a milestone in demonstrating how modern design could shape residential living after World War II.

The building's design reflects Brazilian architectural thinking through its elevated terraces, angled supports, and geometric patterns that blend European and South American styles. Visitors can observe how these cultural influences shape the way the exterior and shared spaces look today.

The building sits in a residential area and is easily accessible on foot, offering good views of all architectural features from the exterior. Visitors should come during daylight hours to fully appreciate the colored mosaics and terrace design from various angles.

A striking polka-dotted elevator tower extends from the main building, giving the project a playful quality. The retractable orange awnings and mesh railings on individual apartment terraces show experimental details that Niemeyer rarely repeated in his other works.

Location: Berlin-Mitte

Architects: Oscar Niemeyer

Made from material: concrete

Part of: Hansaviertel

Address: Altonaer Straße 4–14, 10557 Berlin

GPS coordinates: 52.51778,13.34417

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:28