Top left image idiggitt; others by Casa Camper.
Located near Hackescher Market at Weinmeisterstrae 1. Mitte disctrict, Casa Camper is one of the two hotels designed by the Barcelona Shoe company Camper. With a rooftop breakfast and day bar, and a ground level Japanese restaurant it is part of the regeneration of this part of Berlin.
Buildings of Potsdamer Platz. Images idiggitt.
The 19 buildings of the DaimlerCrysler precinct were constructed under the leadership of Renzo Piano. His plans were also based on a draft for urban development by Munich Architects Hilmer and Sattler. Architects involved included Renzo Piano; Hans Kollhoff; Ulrike Lauer and Wolfgang Wohr; Jose Rafael Moneo, Richard Rogers, and Arata Isozaki.
Some people have described this memorial, made of 2,700 concrete slabs occupying 19,000 square meters, as abstract. However, passing through the undulating landscape, the visitor hears voices, echoes, and silence - this powerful play of the senses evokes its meaning in an uncanny way.
Marie-Elisabeth Luders House and Paul Lobe Haus, both by Stephan Braunfels 1998-2001. Image idiggitt.
These buildings of the Government Quarter next to the Foster designed Reichstag have been criticised as being severe. However, the fine quality of the concrete, and elements such as the connecting bridge and integrated urban spaces next to the River Spree make it an important Urban element of the Government Quarter master plan.
Studio Daniel Liebskind: Jewish Museum Berlin 2001. Images idiggitt.
Reichstag, New German Parliament, Berlin 1992-1999 Foster + Partners. Images idiggitt.
The transformation of the Reichstag is a superb lesson in building modern within historic. Fosters' won this project in competition with 14 other architects in a competition that followed the 'wrapping' of the Reichstag by Christos and Jeanne-Claudes.
The building contains a bio-fuel co-generator, with waste heat stored in an aquifer below ground and pumped up when it needs to be reused.
The popularity of this building with the public however, means the queues for entry become an obstacle; take a toddler with you and you can shortcut the queues and get a VIP direct entry to the roof terrace; and what a terrace - the views over the city are reflected in the giant light scoop that directs light down through the cupola into the chamber; the ramps around the inside of the cupola are ever popular and activate this building in a truly democratic way.
The superb detailing contrasts with the existing building where graffiti from Russian soldiers can still be seen - the terrace that sits on top of the old structure is visable in the light wells - the transition from steel to glass, then on to stone is deftly handled.
Studio Daniel Liebskind: Jewish Museum Berlin 2001. Images idiggitt.
The plan of the museum is based on a series of connected places and historic events. The ramped floors and ceilings, and changing geometry of walls constantly keeps the visitor off guard and creates a sense of unease relevant to part of the museums content.
The visitor traces the history of the Jewish faith from inception to the present day. Parts of the building are visible, but not accessible - a reference to Liebskinds' idea of 'voided space', a metaphor for the disappearance of the Jewish faith in the city.
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, New National Gallery, at Berlin, Germany, 1962 to 1968. Images idiggitt.
One of the striking things about Mies Berlin Gallery is the industrial scale of the elements. The roof beams and columns of substantial steel members seen usually in bridge construction. That this building explores the limits of such engineering is a testament to Mies' understanding of engineering structure - whilst at the same time creating an elegant pavilion that floats on its base. So - now the exhibition has closed, and the workers have moved in to apply reflective film, this once transparent pavilion will now take on a new form. The glass will reflect the surroundings making the whole structure appear more solid and heavyweight. Bring back the transparency and lightness and find another way to control the glare!
Wall at Potsdamer Platz: Image idiggitt.
The remnants of the cold war are omnipresent in Berlin. They inhabit public spaces now as a reminder of the past, and perhaps as a warning for the future. The east now however, has the air of a resurgent artisans quarter. Inhabited by new hotels, designer shops, and trendy restaurants - its the place to be seen.
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