Glasreihen

Glasreihen is a term used in Germany to describe a specific type of urban housing. It refers to rows of terraced houses, often built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by their glass-fronted facades. These facades were typically made up of large panes of glass, often arranged in a grid-like pattern, and sometimes incorporated decorative elements. The extensive use of glass was a response to a desire for more natural light in the interiors, a feature that was becoming increasingly valued at the time.

These housing units were commonly built for the working class and were designed to be relatively compact. The typical layout often included a small front garden and a rear courtyard. The glass rows were usually part of larger developments, creating distinct streetscapes within burgeoning industrial cities. While many examples have been preserved, others have been altered or demolished over time due to urban development and changing architectural tastes. The term "Glasreihen" highlights a particular architectural approach to domestic housing that emphasized light and transparency, reflecting social and aesthetic trends of its era.