Hinrich Baller, one of Germany's most distinctive and unconventional architects of the postwar era, has died at the age of 89. The architect, who left an indelible mark on Berlin's architectural landscape, passed away on July 23 following a prolonged illness, according to his ex-wife Inken Baller, who confirmed the news to the German Press Agency.

Baller's architectural legacy spans numerous buildings throughout Berlin and Potsdam, showcasing his unique design philosophy across diverse project types. His portfolio includes residential buildings, shopping centers, sports halls, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Wilmersdorf, and the Philosophy Institute at the Free University in Dahlem. Each structure reflects his commitment to breaking away from conventional architectural norms.

Born in 1936 in Stargard, located in present-day Poland, Baller pursued his architectural education at the Technical University of Berlin. He later became a professor of architecture at the Hamburg University of Fine Arts, where he influenced a new generation of architects with his innovative approach to design.

Baller became renowned for his extraordinary formal language and distinctive personal style, characterized most notably by his skepticism toward right angles. His preference for organic forms and playful architectural elements drew comparisons to Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. This philosophy is exemplified in the Torhaus at Fraenkelufer in Berlin-Kreuzberg, featuring dramatically curved, pointed balconies that bend upward, creating a dynamic facade that challenges traditional architectural conventions.

The Torhaus, located at the corner of Fraenkelufer and Admiralstraße, stands as one of Baller's most recognizable works, featuring suspended floors and the signature upward-curving pointed balconies that became synonymous with his architectural vision. This building perfectly encapsulates his rejection of conventional geometric forms in favor of more organic, flowing designs.

In recognition of their collaborative achievements, Inken and Hinrich Baller were honored with the prestigious Grand BDA Prize in 2023. The former couple had operated a joint architectural firm for many years, working closely together to develop projects that consistently challenged architectural orthodoxy and contributed significantly to Germany's contemporary architectural heritage.