Renowned Berlin architect Hinrich Baller has died at the age of 89, leaving behind a distinctive architectural legacy that shaped the city's urban landscape. Baller passed away on July 23, 2025, though his death was only recently confirmed by sources close to the architect.

Baller's architectural signature can be seen in approximately 200 buildings throughout Berlin, including the Philosophy Institute at the Free University of Berlin, numerous residential buildings, two kindergartens, and two sports halls. Among his most recognizable works are a building on Lietzenburger Straße and a fire wall development on Fraenkelufer, both created for the International Building Exhibition of 1984-87.

In 2023, Hinrich Baller and his ex-wife Inken received the prestigious Grand BDA Prize, the most significant personal honor bestowed by the Association of German Architects. The architect duo designed 22 residential complexes together, almost all located in West Berlin, establishing themselves as prominent figures in post-war German architecture.

Born in 1936 in Stargard, Baller became one of Berlin's most distinctive architectural voices of the post-war era. After studying architecture at the Technical University of Berlin, he founded a joint architectural firm with his wife Inken Baller in 1966. The couple worked as a duo until 1989, significantly influencing the city's development, particularly in the context of social housing construction.

Their buildings stood out through a unique architectural language characterized by organic, curved lines, delicate ornaments, oblique angles, and deeply planted window areas. Baller's style drew inspiration from architects like Hundertwasser, as well as German masters such as Bruno Taut and Hans Scharoun. The curved and playful design elements became hallmarks of his work, evident in projects like the residential building on Lietzenburger Straße and the sports hall on Gleditschstraße.

A residential building on Dessauer Straße in Kreuzberg exemplifies Baller's approach, featuring enchanting bay windows, delicate balconies, and a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics. His architectural philosophy emphasized creating buildings that served both practical needs and visual appeal, contributing to Berlin's diverse architectural landscape.

However, some of Baller's projects generated significant controversy and heated debates. The most contentious was the after-school care building for the Spreewald Elementary School in Schöneberg. After completion, the building had to be closed due to construction defects and missing emergency exits, leading to a prolonged legal dispute between Baller and the district over responsibilities.

Criticism also arose regarding the specially designed fence for the same school, which many deemed insufficiently secure. The district wanted to install a simple hardware store fence behind Baller's design, a proposal the architect vehemently rejected. Additionally, construction costs for the school's gymnasium doubled, followed by lengthy litigation over construction defects and a leaking roof.

Despite these controversies, Baller's contribution to Berlin's architectural heritage remains significant. His organic forms and distinctive aesthetic challenged conventional building practices and added a unique dimension to the city's social housing projects. The recognition he received alongside his ex-wife Inken through the Grand BDA Prize in 2023 underscored their lasting impact on German architecture and urban development.