Berlin's Unique Cobblestone Design
In the heart of Berlin, a distinctive pavement design known as the Bernburger Mosaik has become a cherished symbol of the city's architectural heritage. This intricate pattern, also known as Bernburger Fliesen or Bernburger Pflaster, has its roots in the early 20th century and has left an indelible mark on the urban landscape of Berlin and other parts of Germany.
The name Bernburger refers to the town of Bernburg in the state of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, where the pattern was first manufactured by the Bernburger Porzellanfabrik (Bernburg Porcelain Factory). The tiles, made from ceramic materials, are arranged in a specific pattern to form a cohesive design, often featuring a mix of colours that create a visually appealing mosaic effect on the pavement.
The Bernburger Mosaik was widely used for paving streets and sidewalks in Berlin, particularly for its durability and aesthetic appeal. The tiles were resistant to weather conditions and could withstand the heavy foot traffic typical of urban areas. Over time, the pattern became an integral part of Berlin's pre-war era and is now cherished for its historical significance and nostalgic value.
Efforts have been made to preserve and restore these pavements, recognising their cultural importance. Many of the original Bernburger Mosaik pavements remain intact and are now considered part of Berlin's historical landscape. The pattern has an outer fringe of stones running parallel to the curb or houses, while the central spread of stones are laid at an angle of 45 degrees. The central footpath, or Gehweg, has larger pavement slabs.
Interestingly, the Bernburger Mosaik pattern was not mandated by a municipal regulation but created by a local wine tavern, Lutter & Wegner on Gendarmenmarkt, in 1825. The creation of the mosaic pattern marked a significant change in how Berlin's streets were experienced, allowing the middle classes to idle in the streets and take in the modern city. Prior to the implementation of the mosaic pattern, Berlin's streets were either unpaved or scattered with irregular, pointed stones that could cause discomfort during a walk.
The invention of the mosaic pattern is said to have contributed to the emergence of the flaneur, a term for a person who aimlessly and leisurely walks the streets observing city life. An experienced worker can complete between eight to 10 square metres of pavement in a day, working on his knees. The part close to the curb is also cobblestone-style, formed of a mosaic of small stones. Most of the heavy central stones of granite in older Berlin sidewalks come from Silesia, near Wrocław, in today's Poland.
The tavern Lutter & Wegner is still required to pay for the upkeep of the heavy stones outside their front door due to their role in popularising the mosaic pattern. The pavement in Berlin's streets is arranged in a deliberate, regular pattern of three parts. The small stones used in the mosaic pattern, which are between 4 and 6 cm, were originally sourced from limestone quarried in the German town of Bernburg.
For those interested in learning more about the development of Berlin's urban design, the book "Berlin - Die Schönheit des Alltäglichen" by Frank Peter Jäger provides valuable insights. The Bernburger Mosaik pattern is not only a testament to the craftsmanship of its time but also a symbol of the city's rich cultural and architectural history.
The Bernburger Mosaik pattern, originating from the Bernburger Porcelain Factory in Saxony-Anhalt, has expanded beyond pavement design, becoming a distinctive feature of home-and-garden decor due to its colorful and visually appealing mosaic effect. On a broader lifestyle level, this pattern is cherished for its historical significance and its role in shaping the cityscape of Berlin.
