Reichstag Dome
With the reunification of Germany and the decision to move the capital from Bonn back to Berlin, it was also decided that the original Reichstag building be rebuilt along with a new dome that emphasized a unified Germany. Architect Norman Foster won a commission to design and rebuild the dome in 1993. Foster originally wanted the dome to be a cylinder, after his original design of a parasol-esque building was rejected due to the unrealistic cost. The design of the dome was at first controversial, but has become accepted as one of Berlin's most important landmarks.
The Reichstag dome is a large glass dome with a 360 degree view of the surrounding Berlin cityscape. The debating chamber of the Bundestag, the German parliament, can be seen down below. A mirrored cone in the center of the dome directs sunlight into the building. The dome is open to the public and can be reached by climbing two steel, spiraling ramps that are reminiscent of a double-helix.
But I couldn't visit the ramps because the dome was closed due to maintenance - this was the second time after some years I couldn't visit it due to this reason... :-(
The futuristic design of the Reichstag dome makes it a unique landmark, and symbolizes Berlin's attempt to move away from a past of Nazism and Communism and instead towards a future with a heavier emphasis on a united, democratic Germany.
Reichstag Dome
With the reunification of Germany and the decision to move the capital from Bonn back to Berlin, it was also decided that the original Reichstag building be rebuilt along with a new dome that emphasized a unified Germany. Architect Norman Foster won a commission to design and rebuild the dome in 1993. Foster originally wanted the dome to be a cylinder, after his original design of a parasol-esque building was rejected due to the unrealistic cost. The design of the dome was at first controversial, but has become accepted as one of Berlin's most important landmarks.
The Reichstag dome is a large glass dome with a 360 degree view of the surrounding Berlin cityscape. The debating chamber of the Bundestag, the German parliament, can be seen down below. A mirrored cone in the center of the dome directs sunlight into the building. The dome is open to the public and can be reached by climbing two steel, spiraling ramps that are reminiscent of a double-helix.
But I couldn't visit the ramps because the dome was closed due to maintenance - this was the second time after some years I couldn't visit it due to this reason... :-(
The futuristic design of the Reichstag dome makes it a unique landmark, and symbolizes Berlin's attempt to move away from a past of Nazism and Communism and instead towards a future with a heavier emphasis on a united, democratic Germany.