{{Short description|Housing estate in Berlin}} thumb|High deck on Leo-Slezak-Straße The '''High-Deck Estate''' is a large housing estate with approximately 6,000 residents in the Berlin district of Neukölln. Constructed in the 1970s and 1980s as part of a social housing programme, the estate's urban planning concept diverged from the high-density, high-rise construction of estates like the Märkisches Viertel or Gropiusstadt. It prioritized the separation of pedestrian and motor traffic through elevated, landscaped walkways (the "high decks") connecting predominantly five- to six-storey buildings with around 2,400 flats. Roads and garages with over 1,000 parking spaces are located below these decks. Within 25 years of its construction, the innovative concept was widely regarded as unsuccessful.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=2021-01-29 |title=High-Deck-Siedlung unter Denkmalschutz |trans-title=High-deck housing estate under monument protection |url=https://www.high-deck-quartier.de/info/aktuell/high-deck-siedlung-unter-denkmalschutz |archive-date= |accessdate=2025-10-09 |publisher=Quartiersmanagement High-Deck-Siedlung |language=de}}</ref> thumb|Cross-connection bridge of the decks, 2024 In the 1970s, the flats were highly sought after for their layout and location on the green outskirts of West Berlin, near the Berlin Wall bordering the East Berlin district of Treptow. After German reunification, the estate lost its quiet border location, becoming less attractive and evolving into a social hotspot in the 1990s due to segregation. The estate is primarily home to residents with a migration background from the Arab world.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=2024-10-02 |title=Armut, Vermüllung, kaum soziale Durchmischung – Diese Ursachen sehen Forscher für die Jugendgewalt in Berlin-Neukölln |trans-title=Poverty, littering, hardly any social mixing—researchers see these as the causes of youth violence in Berlin-Neukölln. |url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/armut-vermullung-kaum-soziale-durchmischung-diese-ursachen-sehen-forscher-fur-die-jugendgewalt-in-berlin-neukolln-12805595.html |accessdate=2025-10-09 |work=Der Tagesspiegel |language=de}}</ref> By 2007, over half of the residents relied on transfer payments. Berlin has implemented neighbourhood management programmes and social and art projects to revitalize the estate.<ref name=":1" />
Since November 2020, the High-Deck Estate has been a listed building.<ref name=":1" />
== Location and building site == The 32-hectare High-Deck Estate is situated on both sides of Sonnenallee in Berlin's Neukölln district. A bridge house constructed in 1982 over Sonnenallee, known as the "gateway to the estate",<ref name=":6">{{cite book |last1=Wörner |first1=Martin |title=Architekturführer Berlin |last2=Mollenschott |first2=Doris |last3=Hüter |first3=Karl-Heinz |last4=Sigel |first4=Paul |publisher=Verlag Georg Reimer |year=1991 |isbn=3-496-01211-0 |edition= |location=Berlin |pages=177 |language=de |trans-title=Architecture Guide Berlin}}</ref> connects the two parts. Neuköllnische Allee borders the estate to the southwest, while Von-der-Schulenburg-Park on Hänselstraße and Herbert-Krause-Park, with the training centre of the Neukölln Nature Conservation and Green Space Office on Jupiterstraße, mark the northwest boundary. The Heidekampgraben green corridor, part of the Berlin Wall Trail, defines the eastern and northeastern boundary, separating Neukölln from the Baumschulenweg district in the Treptow-Köpenick borough. Until reunification, this corridor marked the border between West and East Berlin.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 June 2023 |title=Quartiersmanagementgebiet – Neukölln, Sonnenallee, High-Deck-Siedlung |trans-title=Neighborhood management area – Neukölln, Sonnenallee, High-Deck-Siedlung |url=https://www.berlin.de/sen/stadtentwicklung/quartiersentwicklung/staedtebaufoerderung/sozialer-zusammenhalt-quartiersmanagement/ |archive-date= |accessdate=2025-10-09 |publisher=Senatsverwaltung für Stadtentwicklung |language=de}}</ref> thumb|Location of the High-Deck Estate The estate occupies part of the former {{Interlanguage link|Köllnische Heide|lt=Köllnische Heide|de|Köllnische Heide}}, a once-extensive forest and meadow area in the Berlin glacial valley.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |title=Die Tabeakirche |trans-title=The Tabea Church |url=https://www.evkg-rixdorf.de/kirchen/tabeakirche |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=EVKG |language=de}}</ref> The adjacent Königsheide, east of the Britzer Verbindungskanal, is a remnant of this forest. Since the 1950s, a church hall with a freestanding bell tower and a daycare centre for the Tabea congregation of the Protestant Church of Berlin-Brandenburg-Silesian Upper Lusatia have stood on the northwestern edge.<ref name=":11" />
== Urban development concept == === Background and competition === In 1970, the West Berlin Senate launched an urban planning competition for the High-Deck Estate. The choice of the Köllnische Heide site was politically motivated, as Berliner Fertigbau, partly owned by trade unions, faced a lack of orders after completing the Märkisches Viertel. To sustain the prefabricated construction industry, the Senate provided new opportunities through the tender. The competition jury, including Berliner Fertigbau representatives, evaluated designs for suitability for serial production.<ref name=":2">{{Harvard citation text|Haberle|2013|p=193}}</ref>
=== Winning design – A departure from "Urbanity Through Density" === In 1970, architects Rainer Oefelein and Bernhard Freund's innovative design was selected. Unlike three-quarters of submissions that followed the high-rise, car-friendly model prevalent in Berlin, their design responded to criticism of such structures, proposing a self-sufficient, family- and child-friendly "city within the city." The concept balanced urban density with green, tranquil spaces, separating car traffic (lower level) from pedestrian areas (upper level) to create a multifunctional pedestrian zone.<ref name=":2" /> [[File:Berlin High Deck Siedlung schematischer Schnitt Entwurf.png|thumb|Cross-section based on the Oefelein/Freund design. The planned terracing was not implemented, and by 2011, trees had not reached the height needed for the intended avenue-like impression.]] The design aimed to reconcile urban public spaces with private green areas, leveraging Sonnenallee's topography to separate traffic levels. However, Berliner Fertigbau's 1950s-era serial production limited architectural flexibility, preventing the planned terraced layout and restricting façades to exposed aggregate concrete or tile. Concerns about tile durability led to the use of exposed aggregate concrete. Cost constraints from {{Interlanguage link|Housing subsidies regulation|lt=Housing subsidies|de|Housing subsidies}} curtailed plans for staircases and ramps as communication and play areas, and plant troughs for balustrades were scrapped due to maintenance costs. Despite these compromises, the concept was initially praised as a typological innovation in European housing construction, inspired by English models of traffic separation.<ref name=":2" />
== Construction == Built between 1975 and 1984, with initial occupancy in 1976, the estate was developed by Stadt und Land Wohnbauten-Gesellschaft mbH, a subsidiary of Gemeinnützige Siedlungs- und Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Berlin mbH (GSW), then city-owned. GSW managed construction, while Berliner Fertigbau handled execution. The estimated cost was 400 million marks (approximately 444 million euros in today's currency).<ref name=":3">{{Harvard citation text|Haberle|2013|p=198}}</ref>
=== The High Decks === The estate features 414 parking spaces under the decks and 309 garage spaces in apartment basements by 2019. Elevated high decks, 3.33 meters high and 10 meters wide, serve as pedestrian walkways, accessible via ramps and stairs. Narrow bridge walkways, one meter higher, connect to apartment block entrances. Ten high decks were built—five north and five south of Sonnenallee—with two decks spanning three streets, three spanning one street, and one isolated deck, all connected by approximately 100 smaller footbridges.<ref name=":4">{{Harvard citation text|Haberle|2013|p=200}}</ref>
=== Building structures and flats === thumb|Garden courtyard between apartment blocks on Leo-Slezak-Straße/Heinrich-Schlusnus-Straße; Fritzi-Massary-Straße in the foreground Three construction types were used:<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":3" />
* Five- to six-storey central buildings along the high decks. * Rows resembling garden sheds, closing off green courtyards at cross-connections of the high-deck network. * A westernmost row with street-level entrances, unconnected to the decks.
thumb|Playground at Heinrich-Schlusnus-Straße and Neuköllnische Allee Flats are accessed via individual staircases and lifts, serving two or three units per floor (two- and three-room flats). Fifteen percent are 1.5-room flats (45 m<sup>2</sup>), 20% are two-room (55–65 m<sup>2</sup>) or 2.5-room (75 m<sup>2</sup>) flats, 35% are three-room (85 m<sup>2</sup>) or 3.5-room (109 m<sup>2</sup>) flats, and 30% are four- or five-room flats (up to 116 m<sup>2</sup>). Smaller flats for seniors face the courtyard, while others open to both sides. Flats include fitted kitchens, dining areas, living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, separate bathrooms/toilets, and conservatories, roof terraces, or loggias, with ample window space for good lighting.<ref>{{Harvard citation text|Haberle|2013|p=201}}</ref>
=== Infrastructure, outdoor facilities, and green areas === Twenty internal rooms (40–60 m<sup>2</sup>) along road axes were intended for hobby rooms, table tennis, saunas, or laundry but saw limited use. Some were converted into guest apartments, while others support neighbourhood management projects.<ref>{{Harvard citation text|Haberle|2013|p=202}}</ref> In 1977, the estate gained an all-day school, daycare centre, sports facility, and the Sonnencenter shopping centre with 24 commercial units, including supermarkets, a bakery, hairdressing salon, drugstore, pharmacy, optician, flower shop, textile shop, physiotherapy practice, snack bar, and restaurants.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":12">{{Cite web |title=Sonnenallee Süd / High-Deck-Siedlung |trans-title=Sonnenallee South / High-Deck Housing Estate |url=https://www.quartiersmanagement-berlin.de/index.php?id=107&type=0 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=Quartiermanagement |language=de}}</ref> The four-storey bridge building over Sonnenallee, built between 1980 and 1982, directs pedestrian traffic to the Sonnencenter.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rave |first1=Rolf |title=Building in the 1970s in Berlin |last2=Knöfel |first2=Hans-Joachim |last3=Rave |first3=Jan |publisher=Kiepert |year=1994 |isbn=3-920597-40-0 |location=Berlin |pages=302–303}}</ref> thumb|Bridge house over Sonnenallee, the estate's entrance gate
=== Roads and transport links === thumb|Under the decks, 2024 Six roads, named after opera and operetta stars, connect to Sonnenallee, divided by central parking zones into two-lane one-way streets:<ref>{{Cite web |title="Straßenschilder - Menschenbilder" - Veranstaltungsreihe im Nachbarschaftstreff |trans-title=“Street Signs - Portraits of People” - Series of events at the neighborhood meeting place |url=https://www.high-deck-quartier.de/index.php?id=1198&type=0 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=Quartiersmanagement |language=de}}</ref>
* Michael Bohnen, Michael-Bohnen-Ring (streets 590, 592);<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael-Bohnen-Ring |website=Kauperts Straßenführer durch Berlin |url=https://berlin.kauperts.de/Strassen/Michael-Bohnen-Ring-12057-Berlin#Geschichte |access-date=2025-10-20}}</ref> * Fritzi Massary, Fritzi-Massary-Straße (streets 597, 598);<ref>{{cite web |title=Fritzi-Massary-Straße |website=Kauperts Straßenführer durch Berlin |url=https://berlin.kauperts.de/Strassen/Fritzi-Massary-Strasse-12057-Berlin#Geschichte |access-date=2025-10-20}}</ref> * Heinrich Schlusnus, Heinrich-Schlusnus-Straße (street 593);<ref>{{Cite web |title=Schlusnus, Heinrich, * 6.8.1888 Braubach, + 18.6.1952 Frankfurt am Main, Kammersänger |trans-title=Schlusnus, Heinrich, born August 6, 1888 in Braubach, died June 18, 1952 in Frankfurt am Main, Kammersänger (honorary title for singers) |url=https://berlin.kauperts.de/Strassen/Heinrich-Schlusnus-Strasse-12057-Berlin#Geschichte |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=KAUPERTS |language=de}}</ref> * Peter Anders, Peter-Anders-Straße (street 591);<ref name=":10">{{cite web |title=Peter-Anders-Straße |trans-title=Peter-Anders-Street |url=https://berlin.kauperts.de/Strassen/Peter-Anders-Strasse-12057-Berlin#Geschichte |accessdate=2025-10-09 |publisher=Luise |language=de}}</ref> * Joseph Schmidt, Joseph-Schmidt-Straße (street 596);<ref>{{cite web |title=Joseph-Schmidt-Straße |trans-title=Joseph-Schmidt-Street |url=https://berlin.kauperts.de/Strassen/Joseph-Schmidt-Strasse-12057-Berlin#Geschichte |accessdate=2025-10-09 |publisher=Luise |language=de}}</ref> * Leo Slezak, Leo-Slezak-Straße (streets 594, 595);<ref name=":5">{{cite web |title=Leo-Slezak-Straße |trans-title=Leo-Slezak-Straße |url=https://berlin.kauperts.de/Strassen/Leo-Slezak-Strasse-12057-Berlin#Geschichte |accessdate=2025-10-09 |publisher=Luise |language=de}}</ref>
The estate is well-integrated into Berlin's road and public transport networks. The A 100/A 113 motorways are accessible within 5–10 minutes via the Dreieck Neukölln or Späthstraße junctions.<ref>{{Harvard citation text|Haberle|2013|p=207}}</ref>
=== Successor buildings, owners, and refurbishment === Additional buildings include an angled residential block by Erbbauverein Moabit, two four-storey blocks with maisonettes by Volker Theissen in 1981, a residential complex by Arwobau, and a 1984 retirement home on Heinrich-Schlusnus-Straße.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Harvard citation text|Haberle|2013|p=195}}</ref> In 1991, the estate expanded with a new building on Neuköllnische Allee.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |title=High-Deck-Siedlung / Sonnenallee |url=https://www.quartiersmanagement-berlin.de/fileadmin/content-media/Datenblaetter_Quartiere/Datenblatt_High.Deck.Siedlung.pdf |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=Quartiersmanagement |language=de}}</ref> In 2007, 1,917 units and 24 commercial units were sold to Capricornus High-Deck Residential GmbH & Co KG, which commissioned High Deck Management GmbH for management.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Die Hausverwaltung |trans-title=Property management |url=http://www.highdeck.de/die-hausverwaltung.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224164234/http://www.highdeck.de/die-hausverwaltung.html |archive-date=2012-02-24 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=High-Deck |language=de}}</ref> In 2013, Buwog acquired 1,916 units, later merging with Vonovia.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-05-02 |title=Buwog buys high-deck settlement |trans-title=Buwog compra liquidação de alto valor |url=https://www.iz.de/transaktionen/news/berlin-neukoelln-buwog-kauft-high-deck-siedlung-120981 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=IZ |language=de}}</ref> In 2021, Howoge repurchased the estate under an agreement with Berlin to reclaim municipal flats.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-19 |title=Vonovia-Deal ist perfekt |trans-title=O negócio da Vonovia está fechado |url=https://www.nd-aktuell.de/artikel/1156744.wohnungspolitik-vonovia-deal-ist-perfekt.html |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=ND Aktuell |language=de}}</ref>
== Criticism of the concept and settlement == thumb|Deserted high deck, reduced to an elevated walkway The High-Deck Estate's innovative concept was deemed a failure within 25 years. The separation of pedestrian and road areas failed to create a lively urban contact zone. The monotonous, car-dominated street levels inhibit neighbourly interaction, and the Sonnencenter's limited retail creates an insular character. Sonnenallee's barrier effect, exacerbated by few pedestrian crossings, divides the estate. The high decks, largely deserted, function only as elevated walkways, not as multifunctional spaces. The estate resembles a dormitory town, lacking urban integration and evoking a sense of placelessness.<ref name=":7">{{Harvard citation text|Haberle|2013|p=205}}</ref>
== Sociographic data and development == Initially, the flats were highly sought after, attracting young working-class families from Kreuzberg and Neukölln.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Die High Deck Siedlung |trans-title=The High Deck Settlement |url=http://www.highdeck.de/die-siedlung.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017175826/http://www.highdeck.de/die-siedlung.html |archive-date=2011-10-17 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=High-Deck |language=de}}</ref> Waiting lists were common due to the estate's appeal as a peaceful, green residential area.<ref name=":8">{{Harvard citation text|Haberle|2013|p=199}}</ref>
=== Population, fluctuation, and rent levels === In 1996, approximately 4,060 residents lived in the core buildings, increasing to 5,200 by 2005 and 6,117 by 2010,<ref name=":8" /> though neighbourhood management reported 4,883 in 2008.<ref name=":13" /> Tenant turnover is slightly below Neukölln and Berlin averages. By 2005, after subsidy changes, the basic rent was €4.34/m<sup>2</sup>, with high heating costs raising a 75 m<sup>2</sup> flat's total to €600.<ref>{{Harvard citation text|Haberle|2013|p=208}}</ref> Post-2007 renovations reduced heating costs by up to 60% but increased rents by €0.68/m<sup>2</sup>.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sanierung jetzt auf dem Weg |trans-title=Renovation now underway |url=https://www.berliner-mieterverein.de/magazin/online/mm1007/hauptmm.htm?http://www.berliner-mieterverein.de/magazin/online/mm1007/100711a.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729022522/https://www.berliner-mieterverein.de/magazin/online/mm1007/hauptmm.htm?http://www.berliner-mieterverein.de/magazin/online/mm1007/100711a.htm |archive-date=2013-07-29 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=Berliner Mieterverein |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sanierung High-Deck-Siedlung |trans-title=Renovation of High-Deck Housing Estate |url=http://www.cpm-architekten.de/index.php?id=52 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305003737/http://www.cpm-architekten.de/index.php?id=52 |archive-date=2016-03-05 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=CPM |language=de}}</ref>
=== Social structure === In 1996, 22.9% of residents were under 19 (Berlin: 17.9%) and 15.8% over 65 (Berlin: 13.8%). In 1987, 17.4% had university entrance qualifications (Berlin: 37.8%), 5.1% had university degrees (Berlin: 10.4%), and 82.6% had secondary or intermediate school certificates (Berlin: 62.2%). Workers comprised 53% (Berlin: 40%).<ref name=":9">{{Harvard citation text|Haberle|2013|p=206}}</ref> The foreign population grew from 5% at completion to 24% by 2005, with many German citizens of migrant background.<ref name=":9" /> In 1999, Turks comprised 15.2% of residents. By 2007, 51% of residents relied on transfer payments.<ref name=":12" /> thumb|South deck of Leo-Slezak-Straße and connecting bridge to Neuköllnische Allee thumb|Burnt-out coach on New Year's Day after the 2022/23 riots
== Measures for upgrading == === Neighbourhood management === In March 1999, Berlin established Quartiersmanagement (QM) to transform the High-Deck Estate into a sought-after, family-friendly area for diverse generations and cultures, investing €2.7 million by 2008.<ref name=":13" /> Goals include improving housing quality, social infrastructure, and job opportunities, fostering resident participation, integration, and education. Projects include a children's club, "Spielen im Kiez," a play bus, "Kleine Einsteine," a 40plus computer club, a sports club, and "Stadtteilmütter."<ref name=":13" /> The High-Deck-2012 project, opened in 2010, supports temporary employment and qualifications.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Auftaktveranstaltung zum Modellprojekt HIGH-DECK 2012 |trans-title=Kick-off event for the HIGH-DECK 2012 pilot project |url=https://www.high-deck-quartier.de/index.php?id=1368&type=0 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=Quartiersmanagement |language=de}}</ref> thumb|Aviary façade art by CitéCréation
thumb|Apartment block on the Heidekampgraben green corridor
=== Heidekampgraben Qualification and Employment Initiative === In 2001, QM, Stattbau GmbH, and the Senate Department redesigned the Heidekampgraben green corridor, clearing vegetation and adding green spaces, benches, a playground, and a nature trail with input from local children.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grüne Oase am Heidekampgraben |website=High-Deck-Quartier |url=https://www.high-deck-quartier.de/index.php?id=1113&type=0 |access-date=2025-10-20}}</ref> In 2005–2006, the Treptow side was renovated as part of the Berlin Wall Trail, costing €1.5 million.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grünzug Heidekampgraben soll zum Spazieren und Verweilen einladen |trans-title=Heidekampgraben green corridor to invite visitors to stroll and linger |url=https://www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/aktuell/pressebox/archiv_volltext.shtml?arch_0501/nachricht1788.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013041707/https://www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/aktuell/pressebox/archiv_volltext.shtml?arch_0501/nachricht1788.html |archive-date=2014-10-13 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=Stadtentwicklung |language=de}}</ref>
== External links == {{Commons|position=left}}
* [https://www.high-deck-quartier.de/ Neighborhood management High-Deck settlement] * [https://www.quartiersmanagement-berlin.de/index.php?id=107&type=0 Sonnenallee / High-Deck-Siedlung on the website of Quartiersmanagement Berlin] * [https://www.berlin.de/sen/stadtentwicklung/quartiersentwicklung/staedtebaufoerderung/sozialer-zusammenhalt-quartiersmanagement/ Social City, Neighbourhood Management Area] – Neukölln: High-Deck Settlement on the website of the Senate Department for Urban Development * [https://www.sosbrutalism.org/cms/19489286 Rainer Oefelein / Bernhard Freund]: High-Deck Estate, 1975–1984 at the SOS Brutalism project (English)
== See also ==
== Bibliography ==
*{{cite book |last=Haberle |first=Heiko |chapter=Highdeck Estate and Rollbergviertel – Two Housing Concepts of the 1970s |editor1-last=Seidel |editor1-first=Matthias |editor2-last=Dame |editor2-first=Thorsten |title=weiterbauen 70 |year=2013 |publisher=Berlin University of the Arts, Faculty of Design, Architecture Program, Department of History, Theory and Criticism of Architecture |location=Berlin |pages=191–208 |url=http://siebzigerjahre.laufwerk-b.de/seminarbeitraege-referate/highdecksiedlung-rollbergviertel/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120626064138/http://siebzigerjahre.laufwerk-b.de/seminarbeitraege-referate/highdecksiedlung-rollbergviertel/ |archive-date=2012-06-26 |access-date=2013-04-16}}
== References == {{reflist}}
Category:1970s architecture Category:1980s architecture