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Living in Hansaviertel, Berlin
West of the Tiergarten. Sub-area created in 1957 with the Interbau, a manifesto of post-war modern architecture — buildings by Niemeyer, Aalto, Gropius, Eiermann. Greenery, tranquility, quality residential.
Hansaviertel is a small neighborhood west of the Tiergarten, built from scratch in 1957 for the Interbau — an international post-war architecture exhibition that brought together star architects like Oscar Niemeyer, Alvar Aalto, Walter Gropius, Egon Eiermann. The result is a one-of-a-kind neighborhood: buildings by star architects of the era, green spaces between the blocks, absolute order.
Who lives here
Bourgeois German families, expats on mid-to-high salaries, professionals, a few architects/designers. Resident density is low for Berlin.
What it's like during the day
Quiet life. Distinctive modernist buildings, Akademie der Künste, public library. Englischer Garten (Tiergarten sub-area) at the edges. Everything a short distance from the Brandenburger Tor (15 min on foot through the park).
What it's like in the evening
Very quiet. Few venues, a few restaurants. To go out you head to Mitte (5 minutes by S-Bahn).
Getting around
S-Bahn Bellevue (S5, S7). U-Bahn Hansaplatz (U9). Capillary buses. Everything close by.
When NOT to pick it
If you're looking for pre-war historic atmosphere. If you want nightlife at hand. If 1950s modernist architecture doesn't convince you.
Hansaviertel is the right pick for architecture lovers, professionals seeking a high quality of life and tranquility in a central position.