Architect Hinrich Baller passes away in Berlin
Hinrich Baller: A Pioneer of Organic Architecture in Berlin and Potsdam
Hinrich Baller, a renowned architect who left a lasting impression on the cities of Berlin and Potsdam, passed away on July 23, 2023, at the age of 89. Born in 1936 in Stargard, now Poland, Baller's career spanned over six decades, during which he designed numerous buildings that have become iconic landmarks.
Known for his unique form language and distinctive style, Baller's architecture was characterized by organic forms and a playful approach, often compared to the works of Friedensreich Hundertwasser. His buildings in Berlin, many still standing and some potentially awaiting historic protection, reflect this approach.
One of Baller's most recognizable works is the Torhaus am Fraenkelufer in Berlin-Kreuzberg, distinguished by its upward-curved pointed balconies. This building, like many of Baller's designs, shows a skepticism towards right angles, a characteristic that sets his work apart.
Other notable projects include the Philosophical Institute of the Free University in Dahlem, Berlin, and the Embassy building of the Dominican Republic in Wilmersdorf, Berlin. In Potsdam, while less specifically enumerated, Baller's legacy includes diverse projects such as housing and public structures.
Baller's professional partnership with his former wife, Inken Baller, was marked by extensive collaboration. They were joint recipients of the prestigious Grand BDA Prize in 2023, which was awarded for their joint work. Baller later became a professor of architecture at the University of Fine Arts in Hamburg, although the exact year of this appointment is not specified.
Inken Baller confirmed Hinrich's death to the German Press Agency. Several Berlin media outlets had previously reported on Baller's death. Baller studied architecture at the Technical University in Berlin, where he honed his skills and developed the distinctive style that would come to define his career.
Baller's work continues to influence the field of architecture, and his buildings stand as testament to his creativity and vision. His legacy lives on in the cities he helped shape, a testament to a life dedicated to the art of architecture.
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- Hinrich Baller, in addition to his renowned contributions to organic architecture in Berlin and Potsdam, also served as a professor of architecture at the University of Fine Arts in Hamburg, fostering education and self-development in the field.
- Pursuing a path of lifelong learning, Baller honed his skills at the Technical University in Berlin, where he developed the unique form language and distinctive style that characterized his iconic landmark buildings.
