Building socialism

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'Building Socialism' examines how East German writers engaged with the evolving built environment from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s, presenting a unique narrative about literary experimentation in the post-War era. It highlights the importance of architecture in mid-century modernist literature, connecting it to various literary and left-wing theoretical traditions, while aligning with global perspectives on modernist architecture and urban planning. During this period, design and construction were integral to politics and daily life in East Germany, as both new and old buildings were tasked with significant ideological and social roles. Authors such as Heiner Müller, Christa Wolf, and others responded to the emergence of large factory complexes, innovative towns, the demolition of Berlin's tenements, and a minimalist modernist aesthetic in interior design through their novels, stories, and plays. Their depictions of architecture's design, construction, and usage reflect a shift toward modernist literary techniques like montage, metaphor, and varying narrative viewpoints. Furthermore, East Germany's literary architecture offers a nuanced theoretical exploration of the challenges faced by socialist modernity, including the relationship between state socialism and technological advancement, the tension between working-class self-organization and the influence of expert planners, and the pursuit of an alternative to fascism.