Apartment House for Interbau Exhibition, Berlin-Hansaviertel: Staircase Plan and Sections - Walter Gropius

An original architectural drawing by Walter Gropius detailing the staircase design for his 1957 Interbau exhibition apartment block in Berlin.

This architectural drawing documents the staircase design for the apartment block Gropius created for the 1957 Interbau exhibition in Berlin. The Hansaviertel district project sought to demonstrate new urban living standards in post-war West Berlin. Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus, applied his principles of functionalism and industrial efficiency to the residential structure.

The document includes a floor plan, vertical sections, and specific construction details at scales of 1:20 and 1:5. The technical precision reflects the collaborative approach of The Architects Collaborative (TAC), the firm Gropius established in the United States. The drawing illustrates the geometric clarity and spatial economy characteristic of his later career. By focusing on the circulation core of the building, the plan reveals the rational organisation of space, prioritising utility and structural logic over decorative elements.

As a primary source document, this print offers a view into the methodology of mid-century modern architecture. The annotations, dimensions, and technical notations provide a clear record of the design process. The monochromatic aesthetic and clean lines of the drafting work align with the minimalist ethos of the era. This piece is suitable for those interested in the history of urban planning, architectural drafting, or the development of modern housing typologies.