In Berlin the process of construction always begins with destruction! The most celebrated architectural controversy in a generation, the removal of the DDR era “People’s Palace” is the prelude to the construction of a replica of the original Prussian Royal Palace here on its original location. Severely damaged by Allied bombing and the final battle for Berlin, the palace was pulled down by communist authorities after the war’s end in hopes of establishing a new architectural era in the city and to remove a landmark of hated Prussian imperialism.

The new structure combined parliamentary chambers with cafes and bowling alleys for residents and was an East Berlin hotspot. Shortly after re-unification, however, the building was shut after it was found to contain hazardous levels of asbestos. After the toxins had been removed the gutted palace was used for concerts and art exhibitions while awaiting the verdict on its eventual fate. As hoped by many (and feared by many others) a decision was made to remove the hulking remains and “rebuild” the original Prussian palace, which would now be used to house cultural and academic institutions. Today the remains of the communist era architecture are being dragged away slowly, piece by piece, while funds are being collected to offset the ever inflating cost of building the city’s new / old pretend Palace.

Oh Berlin! The city where moving forward often means moving in a circle!