Berlin, 20. July 2026
Berlin is one of the few major cities to be represented multiple times on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, to be held in Busan (Republic of Korea) from 25–27 July the Committee will decide on the proposed extension of the “Berlin Modernism Housing Estates” World Heritage Site by inscribing the Waldsiedlung Zehlendorf as its seventh component. The expected inscription would mark the culmination of an extensive nomination process by the State of Berlin – led by the Supreme Heritage Authority (OD) and the Berlin Heritage Authority (LDA) – has been undergoing since 2021.
Waldsiedlung Zehlendorf (Zehlendorf Forest Estate)
The Waldsiedlung Zehlendorf, also known as the „Onkel-Tom-Siedlung (Uncle Tom Housing Estate)”, is a modernist residential estate style that stretches along the transportation corridor around the “Onkel Toms Hütte” subway station on Line 3 and Argentinische Allee in the Steglitz-Zehlendorf district. Built between 1926 and 1932 for the GEHAG housing cooperative, the estate was designed by architects Bruno Taut, Hugo Häring, and Otto Rudolph Salvisberg. Of the total 1,917 residential units, 1,108 were built as multi-family apartment buildings with up to three stories, and 809 were single-family homes.
The Waldsiedlung was built to provide affordable housing in a healthy, nature-oriented environment. All residents were provided with their own “outdoor living space” and access to numerous common areas. The landscape design by Leberecht Migge and Martha Willings-Göhre was considered as integral to the overall concept as the architecture itself. The result is a harmonious ensemble in which buildings and nature are closely integrated, characterized by continuous flat roofs, a carefully coordinated colour scheme and optimal public transport connections.
The new World Heritage status will not have any immediate impact on resident´s daily life. Rather, the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation should be understood as international recognition of the quality and significance of the housing estate. At the same time, it can help raise awareness of its exceptional value and strengthen resident´s sense of identity with their neighborhood. The participatory processes carried out as part of the nomination have shown that residents have a strong interest in the history of the estate and already identify closely with it. The management plan developed during the nomination process provides a framework for ensuring that residents remain actively involved in the future.
To mark the 100th anniversary of the Waldsiedlung Zehlendorf and its expected inscription as an extension of the “Berlin Modernism Housing Estates” World Heritage Site, the Berlin Heritage Authority (LDA) will host a festival in the estate from August 27–30, 2026.
Further information
• about the festival can be found here.
• about the Waldsiedlung Zehlendorf can be found here.
