Plattenbau

Plattenbau is the German word for a building whose structure is constructed of large, prefabricated concrete slabs, often found in central and eastern Europe. The word is a compound of Platte (slab) and Bau (building).

In the former GDR, virtually all new residential buildings since the 1960s were built in this style. Since reunification a combination of decreasing population and construction of modern alternative housing has lead to high vacancy rates, with some estimates placing the number of unoccupied units at around a million. While the modular construction method makes it possible to remodel some blocks, some are being torn down, although a lack of funds means many are being left to become derelict.