Studentendorf Schlachtensee eG
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| Company type | eG (Registered cooperative) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Real estate, Student housing |
| Founded | May 15, 2002 |
| Headquarters | , |
Key people |
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| Revenue |  €5.1 million (2022) |
Number of employees | approx. 50 (As of 2023) |
| Website | www |
Based in Berlin, Studentendorf Schlachtensee eG is a cooperative established in 2002 that oversees more than 1,300 housing units intended for students and academics at three sites: Studentendorf Schlachtensee, Studentendorf Adlershof, and the International Center for Scholars (IBZ Berlin). The organization’s main office is located in Schlachtensee.
The cooperative specializes in managing apartments and shared living spaces designed for both German and international students and researchers. Its operational approach prioritizes promoting intercultural exchange and democratic community principles, supporting its mission to maintain the Studentendorf Schlachtensee as both a protected cultural landmark and a globally recognized academic center.
Architectural Monument History
The Studentendorf Schlachtensee stands as a notable example of post-war modernist design, representing West Berlin’s democratic revival during the 1950s.
Origins as a "Harvard on the Wannsee"
Following World War II, American efforts to encourage democratization in Germany included founding the Free University of Berlin as a democratic counterpart to East Berlin’s Humboldt University. The Studentendorf initiative, financed by the US government through the Marshall Plan and the Ford Foundation, sought to create student housing that reflected ideals of freedom, community spirit, and international cooperation.
Architects Hermann Fehling, Daniel Gogel, and Peter Pfankuch developed a campus-like arrangement featuring open structures and green areas designed to stimulate social interaction, contrasting with conventional German apartment blocks. Constructed between 1959 and 1964, the initial thirteen buildings embodied the concept of a "Harvard on the Wannsee," envisioned as an international academic community.
Hub of Student Activism
During the 1960s, the Studentendorf evolved into an influential social and political center for the West Berlin student movement. Its open, dialogic environment alongside a concentration of politically active residents facilitated the rise of the Außerparlamentarische Opposition (APO, "Extra-Parliamentary Opposition"). Numerous inhabitants took part in the Protests of 1968. The distinctive architecture combined with communal living arrangements fostered critical engagement with societal issues, establishing the village as a landmark in West Berlin’s historical narrative.
Decline, Recovery, and Establishment of the Cooperative
Risk of Demolition
Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Studentendorf's significance to the Senate of Berlin diminished considerably. The aging infrastructure demanded expensive repairs. During the late 1990s, the Senate intended to sell the site through its real estate branch, Liegenschaftsfonds Berlin, which posed a threat of demolishing protected historic buildings to make way for upscale residential developments. Consequently, numerous houses were left unoccupied and gradually deteriorated.
Community Initiative and Formation
A broad coalition formed in response, including residents, student self-governance groups (Studentische Selbstverwaltung), former occupants, architects, and preservation advocates. The campaign titled "Rettet das Studentendorf!" ("Save the Student Village!") garnered widespread public and political backing. This momentum led to the creation of the Studentendorf Schlachtensee eG cooperative on May 15, 2002, with the mission to purchase, restore in compliance with monument protection guidelines, and revive the original function of the complex.
After engaging in discussions with Liegenschaftsfonds Berlin, the cooperative acquired the property in 2003 and initiated efforts to reactivate previously unused buildings.
Cooperative Progress Since 2003
Restoration work adhering to heritage conservation standards commenced in 2006. To fund these initiatives, in 2009 the cooperative entered into a 99-year ground lease (Erbbaurecht) agreement by selling a portion of land to the Swiss pension fund CoOpera Sammelstiftung PUK. This arrangement provided stable long-term financing while maintaining operational control and preserving community dynamics.
The cooperative broadened its scope to include management, refurbishment projects, and development of new student residences. Also in 2009, it took over administration of Berlin-Wilmersdorf’s International Center for Scholars (IBZ). In October 2014, Studentendorf Adlershof opened on Humboldt University’s campus, inspired by Schlachtensee’s communal living model.
For the fiscal year 2014, Studentendorf Schlachtensee eG reported revenues totaling €2.7 million with a workforce of 36 employees.
Current State of the Cooperative
Governance and Structure
Studentendorf Schlachtensee eG functions as a service-oriented cooperative where members—comprising tenants, staff, and supporters—acquire shares that confer co-ownership rights. The supreme decision-making authority is vested in the general assembly formed by these members. This body elects the supervisory board responsible for appointing and overseeing the executive board. Such a democratic governance framework ensures that member interests align with the cooperative’s legal objectives.
Social and Cultural Initiatives
In line with its founding principles, the cooperative emphasizes an active cultural and social agenda. A dedicated team of tutors coordinates events, workshops, excursions, and festivals designed to promote intercultural dialogue and strengthen community bonds across all locations. This vibrant program forms a core aspect of the cooperative’s identity and serves as a key factor in attracting and retaining its membership base.