Laubenganghaus, Dessau, Modernist residential complex in Dessau, Germany
The Laubenganghaus is a residential complex in Dessau with five three-story buildings connected by open corridors on the north facade, providing access to six apartments per floor through exterior walkways and separate staircase towers. Each unit covers approximately 47 square meters and includes a kitchen, bathroom, central heating, and optimal natural light through south-facing living spaces and north-facing service areas.
Built between 1929 and 1930 under Hannes Meyer, then director of the Bauhaus, this was the school's architectural department's first major collective project. It marked a turning point in Bauhaus philosophy, shifting focus toward creating affordable housing for mass production.
The design included shared garden courtyards, children's play areas, and vegetable gardens that reflected Meyer's approach of placing community needs before individual comfort. Residents used these spaces as everyday meeting points and shared responsibility for their upkeep.
The complex is located in the Dessau-Roßlau area and is best reached on foot or by bicycle, as the surrounding neighborhood is traffic-calmed. Visitors can freely explore the exterior of the buildings, though the interior remains private residential space with limited access.
The buildings combine exposed brick facades with reinforced concrete lintels and use both wood and steel window frames, creating a varied architectural look. This mix of materials was experimental for its time and shows how designers bridged traditional and modern building methods.
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