Berlin is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural diversity. But one design that often goes overlooked is the street lighting created by Albert Speer, Hitler’s favorite architect. If you want to experience some of the city’s lesser-known design pieces, you will be aware of the Albert Speer street lights.
Before the Second World War, Albert Speer was tasked with designing the city’s “Welthauptstadt,” complete with a grand boulevard and monumental buildings. We talked a bit about it when we wrote about Schwerbelastungskörper a couple of years ago. However, one of his lesser-known works is still in the town today – the Albert Speer street lights.
Starting at Tiergarten S-Bahn station, where the railway line crosses Straße des 17. Juni, you’ll notice a sudden change in the style of the streetlights. If you walk the road toward Charlottenburger Tor and follow these sleek and functional lights, you’ll see how they line the remaining stretch of Straße des 17. Juni, Bismarckstrasse, and Kaiserdamm before finally finishing at Theodor-Heuss Platz.
When the lights were first installed, the square was named Adolf-Hitler-Platz and would have assumed a significant position in Speer’s newly designed city. Nowadays, Hitler lost the war, and the square has a different name, but the street lights still stand.
So, if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path design experience in Berlin, take a stroll down Straße des 17. Juni, Bismarckstrasse, and Kaiserdamm appreciate the work of Albert Speer. If this is something we can genuinely do based on his legacy as a close ally of Adolf Hitler and his years as a Minister in Nazi Germany.
Albert Speer Street Lights
Theodor-Heuss Platz
Albert Speer Street Lights Still Stand in Berlin
Str. des 17. Juni, between Tiergarten S-Bahn and Theodor-Heuss-Platz, Berlin
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