Flusspferdhofsiedlung, Heritage monument in Alt-Hohenschönhausen, Berlin, Germany
Flusspferdhofsiedlung is a residential complex made up of three parallel four-story buildings with flat roofs arranged symmetrically between Simon-Bolivar-Straße and Goeckestraße. The complex includes shared outdoor spaces with children's playgrounds, wooden benches, trees, lawns, and a fountain.
The complex was designed between 1932 and 1934 by architects Paul Mebes and Paul Emmerich for the Gewobag housing association. The initial plan included about 1554 apartments as part of a forward-thinking approach to social housing.
Two limestone hippo sculptures by Hans Mettel sit near a water basin in the courtyard and give this place its name. These figures are part of the shared outdoor spaces that connect the buildings.
The grounds are accessible and open for walking, with clearly visible entrances from the surrounding streets. The fountain operates during weekday afternoons, so visiting during daytime hours gives you the best chance to see it working.
The narrow stairwell windows on the building facades create a distinctive pattern that catches the eye when walking around. These gallery access houses in the courtyard were designed to encourage neighbors to interact and build community together.
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