Hansviertel Apartment House

Berlin, Germany

Constructed 1955

Alvar Aalto

The approach to the intermediate courtyard which functions to join the two wings of the buildings.

Image source: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/381328293420186918/

I was able to visit a three-bedroom apartment as shown in number 8.

The idea of maintaining the feeling of a family home within a compact apartment space relied

heavily on the relationship of the apartment typology to nature. A bedroom, the living room

and dining space all have connections to the terrace. When I visited the owner did not have

any lights on, which is interesting considering how far north Berlin is. The ability of the design

to allow light to flow into each room yet divide up the space in such a way that each function

of a family house is achieved within the residence is impressive.