The Hochhaus an der Weberwiese in Berlin remains a defining work of Hermann Henselmann, a German architect whose career spanned the volatile political landscape of the twentieth century. Born in 1905 in Roßla, he practiced across cities including Prague, Leipzig, and Jena, navigating the shifting architectural demands of the German Reich and the German Democratic Republic.
Early Training and Modernist Beginnings
Henselmann studied at the Unterrichtsanstalt des Kunstgewerbemuseums in Berlin between 1922 and 1925. His early professional output reflected modernist principles. Prior to the mid-century geopolitical shifts, he completed works such as a house near Montreux in 1930 and the Heinecke House in Kleinmachnow, establishing his initial architectural vocabulary before the restrictive policies of the Nazi government hindered his private practice.
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Following World War II, Henselmann held roles as lead architect in Gotha and Weimar. By the early 1950s, his design language shifted toward historical revivalism. His work on the Hochhaus an der Weberwiese in 1951, alongside the towers flanking Karl-Marx-Allee at Frankfurter Tor and Strausberger Platz, exemplified this period.
Urban Planning and High-Rise Projects
Appointed head architect for Berlin in 1953, Henselmann later returned to modernist aesthetics. He designed the Haus des Lehrers at Alexanderplatz and the residential complex of Platz der Vereinten Nationen. His technocratic approach to urban form continued with the City-Hochhaus in Leipzig and the cylindrical Jen-Tower in Jena, both completed by 1972. His 1958 study for a signal tower influenced the development of the later Berlin television tower.
Public Recognition and Death
Over his career, Henselmann held various town planning positions and served as a member of the Volkskammer. His contributions were recognized with the National Prize of East Germany in 1951, the Goethe Prize of the City of Berlin in 1952, and the Patriotic Order of Merit in both Silver and Gold. He died in Berlin in 1995 and was interred at the Zehlendorf Forest Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1905, Roßla
- Died: 1995, Berlin
- Education: Unterrichtsanstalt des Kunstgewerbemuseums Berlin
- Key Role: Head architect for the city of Berlin (1953)
- Political Office: Member of the Volkskammer
- Significant Project: Jen-Tower, Jena (1972)
- Burial Site: Zehlendorf Forest Cemetery
Questions readers ask
Which cities were central to his architectural career?
He worked primarily in Berlin, but also completed projects or held positions in Prague, Leipzig, Jena, Weimar, Frankfurt (Oder), Gotha, and Montreux.
When did he retire from his career as an architect?
Henselmann retired from his architectural practice in 1972.
Achievements
- Notable work: Hochhaus an der Weberwiese
- Notable work: Haus des Lehrers
- Notable work: Platz der Vereinten Nationen
- Notable work: City-Hochhaus Leipzig
- Goethe Prize of the City of Berlin
- National Prize of East Germany
- Star of People's Friendship
- Trained at Unterrichtsanstalt des Kunstgewerbemuseums Berlin
