Monument protection
The American Settlement in Bonn-Plittersdorf is a testament to Germany’s post-war history and the architecture of the 1950s. Its special character comes from the relationship between residential buildings, community facilities and generous parkland. Heritage protection covers the settlement as a whole.
A monument to post-war history
Also known as the HICOG settlement, the compound was built for American Embassy employees and their families. The first residents moved in during 1951. Architect Sep Ruf and landscape architects Hermann Mattern and Heinrich Raderschall contributed to its design.
Homes, wide streets and shared facilities created a small American community in Bonn. The relationship between architecture and landscape defines the settlement’s character and makes it an important example of urban planning on a human scale.
Read more about the settlement’s origins on our history page.
How protection developed
2000: Entry in the heritage register
The settlement was first placed under monument protection in 2000 because of its outstanding significance for urban planning. RASP’s chronology records its entry in the City of Bonn’s heritage register on 14 August 2000, under reference A 3620.
2015: Clarification and extension
In November 2015, the protection was clarified and extended. The City of Bonn emphasized that the entire settlement, including its green spaces, was protected. Protection of the former kindergarten building and the American Embassy Club was also reaffirmed.
RASP’s chronology records the official delivery of the revised protection text to property owners on 28 November 2015.
Green spaces within the ensemble
The parkland is an essential part of the settlement. Hermann Mattern and Heinrich Raderschall’s original landscape design provided for flowers throughout the seasons, with trees and shrubs from different hemispheres shaping the grounds.
RASP works to preserve this design and the settlement’s trees. In January 2016, the Bad Godesberg district council unanimously resolved that the city administration should draw up a heritage-sensitive maintenance concept for the green spaces following discussions with Vebowag, the private owners’ associations and RASP.
Our tree register documents trees that have been felled and replanted. The Flora & Fauna project focuses on the settlement’s plants, wildlife and habitats.
Our preservation work
RASP follows developments in the settlement and works to preserve its architectural and landscape character. This includes discussions with heritage and nature conservation authorities, walks to review the care of the grounds, and sharing the history of the site.
The future of the former American Embassy Club is also part of this work. Our Save the Club project page provides information about initiatives to preserve the building and support its continued use.
Through guided tours on Open Monument Day, RASP introduces visitors to the settlement’s history and distinctive features. See our events page for event information.
Further information
This overview brings together information documented on our website. The history and RASP chronology record the individual milestones in our preservation work and the revision of the settlement’s protection. Further publications are available under Literature & Films and in our press coverage.
To support the preservation of the settlement, find out about RASP membership or contact us at [email protected].