Wasserturm Ostkreuz, Water tower in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Germany.
Wasserturm Ostkreuz is a cylindrical brick structure standing 59 meters tall with industrial design elements built in the early 1900s. The building displays characteristic features of its era, including a sturdy base and functional geometric form designed for practical utility.
Built between 1909 and 1912 by designer Karl Cornelius, the tower was constructed to supply water for the expanding railway network. This timing coincided with Berlin's major push to modernize its urban infrastructure during the early industrial era.
This structure shows how Berlin built practical infrastructure to serve its expanding city during the industrial boom. Visitors can see how engineers solved everyday problems like water supply through bold architectural solutions that still stand today.
The exterior is accessible year-round and visible from various angles throughout the neighborhood. The interior opens to visitors only during special heritage open days in Berlin, providing a chance to see the original mechanical systems up close.
The interior contains original steel water tanks and pressure regulation mechanisms from 1912 that remain largely intact. These preserved systems reveal how ingeniously engineers managed water storage and distribution before modern technology made these tasks easier.
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