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) also known as Stalin Box.
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.
