Overview

Founded by free-thinking members of East Berlin's Humboldt Universität who could not come to terms with socialist dictates, the Free University became a refuge for academics fleeing communism in the early days of the Cold War. Situated in upper-class Dahlem, the university was originally housed in several of the beautiful villas which are abundant in the area. However, as it grew in popularity, it was necessary to expand and many new buildings were constructed during the 1960s and 1970s. One of the newer constructions typical of the university is the Humanities Department, a long building made of rusty steel plates. Many despise the building with its endless corridors and impenetrable labyrinth of rooms , others are enthusiastic about the green courtyards and the rooftop terraces. Just like academia, architecture can be controversial too.