The Forest Settlement of Zehlendorf has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the broader Berlin Modern settlements. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee reached this decision during its session held in Busan, South Korea.
This newly expanded World Heritage site now includes seven settlements in Berlin, all recognized as exceptional examples of the New Building movement. These Berlin Modern settlements have been registered since 2008. They represent a significant shift in early 20th-century housing design, centered around the guiding principle of “Light, Air, and Sun” to prioritize human health and well-being.
German UNESCO Ambassador Kerstin Pürschel welcomed the listing, stating that Waldsiedlung Zehlendorf adds a unique dimension to the existing World Heritage site through its successful blend of architecture, forest landscape, and urban infrastructure. She noted that this recognition from the Busan committee emphasizes the international significance of the Berlin Modern movement and specifically honors the contributions of the Zehlendorf settlement.
Constructed between 1926 and 1932, Waldsiedlung Zehlendorf is considered one of the most vital works by architect Bruno Taut, who collaborated on its design with Hugo Häring and Otto Rudolf Salvisberg. Notable features of the settlement include its colorful facades, the intimate connection between living quarters and nature, and the generous green spaces situated between terraced and multi-family housing. Each apartment is equipped with a balcony, loggia, or private garden, clearly underscoring the New Building concept’s commitment to integrating health, community, and quality of life into the architecture.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which convenes annually from July 19 to 29 in Busan, is the primary body responsible for implementing the World Heritage Convention. Its role involves deciding on the registration of new cultural and natural sites and assessing the preservation status of already listed locations. This year, approximately 30 sites have been nominated for UNESCO’s list of cultural and natural heritage. Currently, the list encompasses over 1,250 cultural and natural sites across 171 countries, 58 of which face threats. Germany, in particular, currently accounts for 55 designated World Heritage sites.
