Erich Mendelsohn designed the solar observatory on Telegrafenberg to house a solar telescope designed by Erwin Finlay-Freundlich. The article names no client. Mendelsohn sketched it from 1917 to 1920, and construction ran from 1919 to 1921 after a fund-raising drive. It became operational in 1924. The article calls it a landmark of Expressionist architecture.
It was conceived as sculptural reinforced concrete, but wartime shortages forced a mixed method. Concrete forms parts of the structure and stairs, the base and tower are brick, the dome is wood, and cement spray plaster unifies the surface. The design was not adapted to the new materials, which caused cracking, dampness and decades of repairs.
The objective lens is 24 inches (60 cm) across with a focal length of 46 feet (14 m). Allied bombing damaged it in World War II, and a full renovation came in 1999. Guided tours are offered through Urania Potsdam.
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