Introduction
When you hear the name Berlin you immediately associate it with Germany and certain historical symbols that are well known all over the world including the Brandenburg gate and the berlin wall. However, in the well-to-do area of Tiergarten which is a popular residents’ area is a building which is less familiar to tourists, yet it is equally arresting – Shellhaus.
What is Shellhaus?
Shellhaus also known as the ‘Shell Building’ is a special piece of architecture nestled at the edge of the River Spree. Built in 1930, this art-deco buildings are the work of German architect Emil Fahrenkamp and represents one of the makings of the bauhaus form of architecture in the early 1900.
The Bauhaus Style
Bauhaus style or the art of building that emerged in Germany in the early 20-th century with the base in analytical geometric shapes and functional forms became the…
- The Bauhaus style referred to as the art of building that was wiped out in Germany in the twentieth century with the using of rubber shapes and useful sort of building developed new phenomenal style. As with functionalist principles, Shellhaus with its austere and slickly white rendered façade is the very epitome of applicative rationality.
Unique Features
It is very easy to notice Shellhaus because the roof of this building looks like a shell. This arched roof provides not only a material beauty but is also functionally valuable. The building’s design lets in as much natural light and air as possible, while also making the environmental control of the interior effective and sustainable.
The Interior
Once you enter into the Shellhaus then you’ll be surrounded by architectural wonders. There are significant expanse of floor space devoid of many interior barriers mostly due to sufficiently sized windows that light up the interior. The constructivist ideas, characteristic of the Bauhaus style, are expressed with ordinary and functional furniture, and geometrical shapes, especially straight lines.
Historical Significance
Shellhaus was a very important building in the history of Berlin. It was also bombed many times and was severely damaged during the World and Second World War but was rebuilt subsequently. It has seving as a reminder of the years of change in the city and the upheavals, it has embodied the rise and fall of Berlin.
Post-War Era
During the post war years, Shellhaus began to take on a special significance as a tangible sign of the city’s desire to rise again from the ashes. Up until the 1990 s, it was the primary administrative building for Shell Oil Company and later has been through many transformations to become a prestigious address for technology and creative firms.
Exploring Shellhaus Today
Today, Shellhaus is alive as an innovative and creative space where various companies, from new generation startups to the traditional IT-companies, are located. When you are strolling through the corridors, you will get the impression of the conservative education system intermingling with the youth style and mood.
Visiting Shellhaus
Although Shellhaus is a purely commercial complex, tourists can only see the exterior of the building and take a walk along the River Spree or stay in Carl-von-Ossietzky Park. Please don’t forget the camera and take shots of the building for its architectural designs!
Conclusion
In summary, Shellhaus stands as an architectural masterpiece in Berlin, Germany. Its Bauhaus design and unique shell-shaped roof make it a distinctive landmark. Despite its historical significance, Shellhaus remains a vibrant space for contemporary businesses, embodying Berlin’s spirit of innovation and reinvention.
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