Not really a very innovative insider, but still exciting to follow:
the development of the construction works on Palast der Republik – so far the tear down continues. I’ve seen its status in December/January 2008 (photos 1-9) and again in September 2008 (photos 10-17):
The Palast der Republik (Palace of the Republic) ((constructed 1973-1976)) is situated very centrally, close to the famous Museumsinsel (Museums’ island), next to Alexanderplatz and Unter den Linden. It has been constructed on the site of the former Stadtschloss (City Palace) which has been demolished by the Eastern German government in 1950 as a symbol of Prussian authority.
From 1976 to 1990 it housed the East German parliament, the Volkskammer.
Its striking, but not really beautiful architecture with bronze mirrored windows made it a peculiar „sight“ – in vernacular, it has been nicknamed as „Erichs Lampenladen“ (Erich’s Lamp Shop) and „Ballast der Republik“ (Ballast of the Republic) – a play with the words „Palast“ and „Ballast“, which speaks for itself.
In November 2003, the German parliament consented to demolish the Palast der Republik. The demolition started on February 6, 2006. More about the difficulties (e.g. the buildings are build on artificial sand islands which needs to be kept in balance by additional weight while the edifice is torn down step by step. And not to mention the asbestos contamination which has been discovered just prior to the reunification of the 2 Germanies. in 1990, the Palast was closed to the public.)
The end of the demolition is scheduled to early 2009.
It has not yet been definitely decided what is to happen with the new area, yet there are heated discussions about a reconstruction of the former Stadtschloss.
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[...] Foto: Simone Kraft [...]