Berlin 1936 Olympic Village
by WERNER MARCH, GEORG STEINMETZ, WALTER MARCH AND HEINRICH WIEPKING-JüRGENSMANN in Berlin, Germany
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Data Info
Author WERNER MARCH, GEORG STEINMETZ, WALTER MARCH AND HEINRICH WIEPKING-JüRGENSMANN
City Berlin
Country Germany
Year 1936
Program Olympic Village
Technical Info
Site area 550000 sqm
Gfa 0 sqm
Density 0 far
Population density 4600 inh/ha
Home Units: 140
Jobs 0
Streetsroad: 0 %
Buildup: 0 %
NonBuild-up: 0 %
Residential 0 %
Business 0 %
Commercial 0 %
Civic 0 %
Description
  • The site was chosen for it extensive natural features such as wooded forests and meadows which could provide a serene environment for athletes. It was also situated close to the Olympic Park.
  • The layout follows that of traditional German villages. Each dwelling was named after a German Town and was decorated with art showcasing the cultural history of the town.
  • The dwellings are arranged as two arcs, following the natural contour of the site
  • The dining halls is located centrally amongst these 2 arcs, emphasized by its curved form and height. It formed an important area for interaction and gathering
  • It was a low-rise settlement where the dormitories were 1-2 story. They were constructed with reinforced concrete and tiled roofs. Each dwelling had 8-12 bedrooms
  • Communal buildings like the reception areas were made prominent by their location and form. They formed landmarks within the vast site. The reception building was designed as a gateway into the site. It was situated at the lowest elevation. The site gradually rises upwards towards the dormitories. 
  • Effort was made to preserve the natural landscape of the site. Dwellings were surrounded by groves of tree which provided climatic protection from winds and morning dew. 
  • Only 10% of the site was built upon. A new lake was created at the site of a former lake bed. The common rooms of the dwellings were located to take advantage of the views towards the surrounding landscape. 
  • Training facilities were also created. A sports field that was equal in size to the primary field situated in the Olympic Park was created for training purposes. 
  • After the Games, the Village was used by the Nazi military during the World War. After which it was taken over by the military of the Soviet Union. 
  • Currently it is abandoned and in a state of decay. Efforts are being made for its urban renewal by strategies like adaptive reuse of the prominent dining hall and addition of apartments.
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