Forgotten/ Unforgotten: Die Reichstag

Photo : Barbara Klemm

About

The Reichstag building, nestled in the heart of Berlin, Germany, stands as a sentinel of history, a silent witness to the unfolding of momentous socio-political and art-architectural events. The research aims to identify how the popular Reichstag building got its name ‘Kohlroulade’ (stuffed cabbage rolls), since most distinctive forms of the building tend to attract popular sobriquets bestowed on them by public. These nicknames can run the gamut from humorous to disparaging and are often quite memorable, but their real value lies in the disconnect they illustrate between an architect’s original design intent and the way it is perceived by the general public. To really understand this, it was necessary to ask; Why was it important to establish a new identity for the Reichstag building?

Its iconic presence is not merely an architectural masterpiece; it encapsulates the narrative of a nation, mirroring the ever-changing urban landscape and serving as a prism through which we can understand the intricate interplay between politics, society, and architecture. This article embarks on a journey through time to explore the socio-political forces and architectural changes that have indelibly shaped the built environment around the Reichstag.

The Socio-Political Tapestry: Weimar Republic to Nazi Regime

The first German parliament, established due to the founding of the German Reich in 1871, owed its existence to Otto von Bismarck's efforts. Bismarck played a significant role in drafting the constitution, granting the chancellor significant authority. Consequently, the German Reichstag had limited influence on major political decisions in the initial decades. Initially, the Reichstag members met temporarily at Leipziger Straße 4. Despite announcing an architectural competition in 1872, it took time to agree on the design and location of a dedicated Reichstag building.

(McGee M, 2000; p. 36-41)

Eventually, a plot of land in the Tiergarten area was chosen for the new building, designed by Paul Wallot. Kaiser Wilhelm I laid the foundation stone on June 9, 1884. It took ten years for the building's completion, crowned with a grand dome.

In 1916, the work “Dem Deutschen Volke” was added which means ‘to the German people’. With the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the November Revolution in 1918, democratic development gained momentum, leading to increased importance for the people's representation. (McGee M, 2000; p. 36-41). Later, from 1919 to 1933, the Weimar Republic's parliament became a cornerstone for democratic power in Germany.

The early 20th century marked a watershed moment for Germany as the Weimar Republic came into being. Against this socio-political backdrop, the Reichstag emerged as a symbol of democratic aspirations. The architectural prowess of Paul Wallot gave life to a building. The architectural elements - the grand facades, the imposing dome - spoke of a nation striving to define its identity amidst the tumultuous waves of history.

An early view of the Reichstag on the postcard, what was then Königsplatz.

The build is captured as an object in the surrounding.

Setting of political exhibition

In the course of the Great Depression and its consequences, Antang of the thirties pushed Adolf Hitler onto the political stage. Just under a month after he had been appointed Reich Chancellor, Reichstag was burnt completely on the 30th January 1933. (McGee M, 2000; p. 36-41)

That same evening, the National Socialists accused the Communists of arson, and issued an emergency decree that suspended civil liberties in Germany.

The socio-political scene, however, was in constant flux. The Weimar Republic was a delicate experiment in democracy, a fragile attempt to navigate the complexities of a post-war world. Yet, as the political landscape shifted, so did the fate of the Reichstag. The devastating Reichstag Fire of 1933 signaled a dark turning point. The flames that engulfed the building mirrored the flames of authoritarianism that were sweeping through Germany. The socio-political dynamics were altered, and the architecture became a vessel of power, ceding the symbolism of democracy to the iron grip of the Nazi regime.

28th February, 1933

Hulton Archive

The burned down plenary sessions hall of the Reichstag.

27th February, 1933

Hulton Archive

Left:

The front of the Reichstag, where everything is bricked up and made into a fortress It was hotly contested in the final days of the war, severely damaged by projectiles.

Bottom:

Red army soldier waving a flag with axe and sickle above the Reichstag

World War II and the Scars of Destruction

On the 29th April 1945, the old parliament building became a Kampt Schauplatz between the Red Army and fanatical German soldiers in the course of a last, desperate battle. The cataclysmic events of World War II reverberated across Berlin, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The Reichstag, once a paragon of democratic representation, now bore the physical scars of conflict. The architectural fabric was wounded, as was the socio-political fabric of Germany itself. The urban landscape that enveloped the Reichstag was forever altered, with vast areas reduced to rubble.

As the war clouds dispersed, the remnants of the city stood as a testimony to resilience. The architectural ruin around the Reichstag mirrored the resilience of a nation determined to rebuild, to emerge from the ashes like a phoenix. The built environment, once vibrant and majestic, was now a canvas upon which the architects of the future would paint a new vision for a united Germany.

1960 - 1990

The Wall and Divided Spaces

The division of Berlin, manifested by the infamous Berlin Wall in 1961, cut through the socio-political and architectural fabric like a jagged scar. The Reichstag, located perilously close to the dividing line, found itself physically separated from its western counterparts. The Wall was not merely a physical barrier; it symbolized the ideological and socio-political chasm between East and West. The architectural landscape around the Reichstag was now one of stark contrasts, a poignant reminder of the divided city.

The socio-political discourse, too, evolved in the shadows of the Wall. The cries for reunification grew louder, echoing through the streets of both East and West Berlin. The architectural spaces around the Reichstag became a microcosm of the broader struggle for unity. The architecture, once a neutral backdrop, was now imbued with symbolism - a silent participant in the socio-political struggle that would eventually lead to the fall of the Wall.

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked an epochal moment in both German and global history. As the Wall crumbled, it paved the way for a new socio-political era and, subsequently, a reimagining of architectural spaces. The Reichstag, positioned at the heart of a reunified Berlin, symbolized the hope and aspiration of a united nation. Architectural decisions surrounding the Reichstag were no longer just about aesthetics; they were about making a statement. It finally became a seat of German Bundestag in 1990.

Reunification and Wrapping Reichstag

In June 1995, Christo and Jeanne-Claude covered the Reichstag building in Berlin for a fortnight. It started in 1971 with a suggestion from American journalist Michael Cullen who was based in Berlin, and after 24 years of long struggle the project was launched in the summer of 1995.(Dimension of missing, 2021)

Like all other projects by the artists, the artwork was financed exclusively from their own funds through the sale of preliminary studies, drawings, collages, scale models, earlier works and original lithographs. The artists do not accept any funding from public or private sources. The Wrapped Reichstag not only represents the 24-year endeavor in the lives of the artists, but also many years of teamwork by the executive members Michael S. Cullen, Wolfgang and Sylvia Volz and Roland Specker. (Das Kunstwerk,2019)

Over its two week life-span, five million people came to see Wrapped Reichstag. It was heralded as a supremely successful signifier for the reunification of Germany; its seductive, shimmering, ghostly form was reproduced in newspapers, magazines and TV channels across the world. People making the pilgrimage to see the work lounged on the grass in the summer sun, basking in a renewed sense of possibilities and a site transformed.(Dimension of missing, 2021)

Christo und Jeanne-Claude, Verhüllter Reichstag, Berlin, 1971-95

Photo: Wolfgang Volz

Christo, Wrapped Reichstag (Project for Berlin), drawing in two parts 1995, 38 x 244 cm and 106.6 x 244 cm Pencil, charcoal, pastel chalk, wax crayon, map, technical data and fabric sample on paper

Photo: André Grossmann © Christo 1995

Christo und Jeanne-Claude, Verhüllter Reichstag, Berlin, 1971-95

Photo: Wolfgang Volz

Interpretations

Wrapped Reichstag was a long lesson in ownership and control. As Christo said, “Everything in the world belongs to somebody”. Although many artist’s creations are available for purchase and ownership, the art crafted by Christo and Jeanne remains transient, open for free viewing without restrictions to anyone. The artists created a temporary living object in itself that interacts and an experience that nobody could own or experience again. It challenged the commercialization of art and peoples believe in the immortality of the art. The blink of an eye time-frame defied the logic of the market and drove home the radical utopian nature of the endeavour. (Dimension of missing, 2021)

“Our work is about freedom and freedom is enemy of all ownership and ownership means permanence”

- Christo and Jeanne Claude

Physical work on the Reichstag building begins on April 27th. By May 31, 1995, the vases, statues, crowns and pediments of the Reichstag will be fitted with steel cages and frames to protect the building and emphasize the building's proportions. 90 commercial climbers and 120 assembly workers attach the upper edge of the fabric panels to large support tubes anchored in the roof. Fabrics and ropes for the two courtyards are unfolded first. At 5 a.m. on June 18, the roof crews push the lengths of fabric over the gable edges of the four facades at the same time. Accompanying the weave, climbers arrange the folds and temporarily attach tethers in case the wind picks up suddenly. After all the panels of fabric are unrolled all the way down and attached to steel weights, climbers attach the final ropes.

In a press release on the Wrapped Reichstag project, Christo wrote: “Throughout art history, fabrics and fabrics have fascinated artists. From the oldest evidence of fine art to contemporary art, the structure of fabricsdrapes, pleats, draperies - is an important part of paintings, frescoes, reliefs and sculptures made of wood, stone and bronze.”

Wrapping the Reichstag with fabric panels adheres to the timeless custom. Swaths of fabric, reminiscent of clothing or skin, possess a delicate and sensitive essence. Moreover, the fabric integrates nature into the artwork, with the wind influencing its arrangements and the metallic texture mirroring the tones of the sky. This created an illusion of form being visibly invisible in the surrounding; creating a strong metaphysical space around itself.

Top: A web of fabric is unrolled in front of the facade of the Reichstag building.

Photo: Wolfgang Volz

Bottom: One of the roof crew pushes a length of fabric over the gable edge of the facade

Photo: Roland Bauer

Christo und Jeanne-Claude, Verhüllter Reichstag, Berlin, 1971-95

Photo: Wolfgang Volz

Foster’s glass dorm

In 1992, Foster + Partners was among fourteen non-German firms competing to rehabilitate the Reichstag building, alongside 80 German architects. Foster was initially skeptical but participated. Surprisingly, all three finalists were non-Germans: Foster, Santiago Calatrava, and Pi de Bruijn. Foster's first design featured a steel and glass canopy, stretching to the Spree River, symbolizing a departure from history while honoring the past. As financial constraints arose during the competition's second round, Foster's proposal needed cost reduction. Instead of adjusting his original design, Foster created four new schemes with cost estimates. (Sudjic D, 2010; p.201, Quantrill M., 1999; p.172)

Ultimately, one of Foster's schemes was chosen for construction. However, like the original 19th-century structure's design, the end of the competition marked just the beginning of the design process, as further work was required. Despite Foster's initial resistance to adding a dome, a German architect's proposal for a historic dome reconstruction challenged his interior vision. This led Foster to develop his own "cupola."(Sudjic D, 2010; p.203-210) Political influence extended beyond the dome: Chancellor Helmut Kohl pushed for a brighter color scheme, altering Foster's original neutral palette, and even the eagle sculpture in the parliamentary chamber sparked debates.

Foster's most prominent change to the historic building is the new cupola, a modern yet historic nod. The glass-clad dome features a helical ramp outside, leading to an observation deck with city views. Skylights in the dome's base connect visually to the debating chamber below. A mirrored cone in the dome's center reflects light and aids ventilation.

Beyond the cupola, Foster's interventions are equally significant. The design consolidates functional spaces, including caucus rooms for MPs. Historical elements are preserved, like Soviet soldiers' graffiti from WWII. Foster emphasizes the symbolism of a shared entrance for the public and politicians, under the inscription "To the German People." (Foster and Partners, 2001; p.133). The light glass dome creates a beautiful contrast with the heavy stone structure of the old building. This experience matches the contrast that can be seen throughout the city, anywhere old and new are positioned side-by-side. This blend of the past and the present makes the German capital a true laboratory of architecture and an open-air exhibition.

Ultimately, the triumph of the Reichstag lies in Foster's skill to navigate the demands of a complex and at times conflicting group of clients. Even with the concessions made, Foster deeply values the result. Sudjic notes that Foster recognizes architecture's symbolic significance beyond its practical function. When asked about his most successful work, Foster confidently points to the new Reichstag.

Left:

Interior view of the dome

Right: Exterior view of the dome

Photo:Himanshi G.

Thoughtscape

The Reichstag building in Berlin stands as a testament to the intricate interplay between architecture, history, politics, and art within the context of urban spaces. Its history and design showcase the evolution of architectural styles and ideologies while reflecting the societal shifts that have shaped the city of Berlin. With its iconic presence and notable transformations, the Reichstag serves as a microcosm through which we can explore the multifaceted relationship between architecture and urban environments.

Historical and Architectural Significance of the Reichstag:

The Reichstag's historical roots trace back to the late 19th century when German architects Paul Wallot and Norman Foster envisioned a grand parliamentary building. Completed in 1894, the original architecture represents a fusion of styles, incorporating elements of Renaissance and Baroque influences.

The edifice ornate façade and prominent dome symbolize the political and cultural aspirations of the German Empire during that era.

Over time, the Reichstag has undergone several transformative phases, each reflecting shifts in architectural trends and sociopolitical landscapes. However, its core purpose as a symbol of democratic governance has remained constant. A notable renovation came in the late 20th century when architect Norman Foster led a project to restore the building and integrate contemporary design elements. The most remarkable addition was the glass dome, completed in 1999, which not only added a modern architectural feature but also symbolized transparency and the connection between citizens and government.

Source: Unknown

View of the Reichstag from the Ebertstraße

The Wrapped Reichstag: A Fusion of Art and Architecture:

The most intriguing chapter in the Reichstag's history is perhaps the temporary art installation titled "Wrapped Reichstag" by artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude. This transformative intervention took place in 1995 and marked a departure from conventional perceptions of architecture and urban spaces. The artists enveloped the entire building in fabric panels, challenging the norms of permanence, ownership, and the relationship between art and architecture.

The act of wrapping the Reichstag with fabric panels was a profound gesture. The choice of materials, like clothing or skin, conveyed a sense of delicacy and vulnerability, contrasting with the building's solid and imposing structure. This paradoxical union of fragility and strength disrupted the conventional understanding of architecture's permanence. The fabric panels, much like a theatrical curtain, unveiled the architectural gem underneath while simultaneously altering its appearance.

The Wrapped Reichstag not only transformed the visual landscape of the building but also invited contemplation on the role of art in urban spaces. By embracing the ephemeral nature of the installation, Christo and Jeanne-Claude challenged the commodification of art & questioned the conventional understanding of ownership. The impermanence of the artwork opened up a dialogue about the dynamic relationship between architecture and its temporal context, prompting observers to consider the transient nature of urban environments themselves.

Wrapped Reichstag

Photo: Matthew field

The Interaction Between Architecture and Urban Context:

The Reichstag's location within the cityscape of Berlin amplifies its significance as an architectural landmark. Situated near the Brandenburg Gate and other historic monuments, the building plays a pivotal role in shaping the visual narrative of the city. Its juxtaposition of architectural styles, from the neoclassical façade to the modern glass dome, reflects the layered history of Berlin—a city marked by both tumultuous past and present-day resurgence.

Furthermore, the interaction between the Reichstag and its urban context extends beyond aesthetics. The building's symbolism as a hub of political activity bridges the historical divide between the imperial past and democratic present. The glass dome, with its spiraling ramp, not only offers panoramic views of the city but also becomes a metaphorical observation deck for citizens to witness the inner workings of their government—an embodiment of transparent governance.

Architectural Evolution and Urban Dynamics:

The Reichstag building encapsulates the architectural evolution of Berlin itself. The city's history of destruction and reconstruction is reflected in the diverse styles and influences that converge within its architectural fabric. The Reichstag stands as an embodiment of continuity and adaptation, preserving its historical significance while embracing contemporary design elements that speak to the city's present and future.

The Wrapped Reichstag adds another layer to this architectural narrative. It exemplifies how architecture can transcend its utilitarian purpose and become a medium for artistic expression. The installation initiated a dialogue about the malleability of urban spaces and challenged the perception of architecture as static. The fabric panels, influenced by the wind and reflecting the sky, imbued the building with an ephemeral quality, reminding us that urban environments are ever-changing and responsive to external forces.

Reichstag dome

Parliament house

Photo: K.H. Reichert

In conclusion, the Reichstag building serves as a dynamic intersection of architecture, history, politics, and art within urban spaces. From its historical origins to its contemporary transformations, the Reichstag encapsulates Berlin's journey through time. The addition of the Wrapped Reichstag by Christo and Jeanne-Claude further deepens the conversation about the relationship between architecture and its surroundings, highlighting the potential for architecture to transcend its utilitarian purpose and become a canvas for artistic and sociopolitical exploration.

Through its architectural evolution and interaction with the urban context, the Reichstag showcases the resilience and adaptability of both a building and a city. The interplay between historical and modern design elements, as well as the transient nature of the Wrapped Reichstag, invites us to reflect on the mutable nature of urban environments and the ways in which architecture can encapsulate the spirit of a city at any given moment.

The built environment around the Reichstag is a testament to the enduring relationship between architecture, society, and politics. The building itself has been transformed from a mute structure into a living embodiment of history, a physical manifestation of the socio-political narrative of a nation. As Germany continues to evolve, the Reichstag stands as a sentinel, a guardian of the past, a participant in the present, and a harbinger of the future.

Renovated Reichstag

Photo: Matthew field

Postcard

Forgotten / Unforgotten

The illustration represents various interpretations of the Reichstag building; from reflecting upon its past of surviving fire, artistic works of Christo and Jean Claude, vernacular name ‘Kohlroulade’ by berliners to the Fosters design of glass dorm.

Illustration: Himanshi Gohel

List of events

1489 | The first official Reichstag convenes.

1663 | The first Reichstag with a permanent seat convenes in Regensburg.

1867 | The North German Confederation is founded. Its parliament in Berlin is called the Reichstag.

1871 | The German Empire (Deutsches Reich) is established. The Reichstag needs a new, larger home, but it will have to wait until 1894 to get one.

1884 | Construction of the Reichstag building in Berlin begins. Emperor Wilhelm I dedicates the cornerstone on June 9.

1894 | The new Reichstag building is officially dedicated in December.

1916 | After a two-decade delay, the inscription "DEM DEUTSCHEN VOLKE" ("To the German people") is placed over the main entrance to the Reichstag, in the midst of WWI.

1919 | After WWI the German monarchy falls and the democratic Weimar Republic is established, with a newly elected Reichstag.

1933 | Although the Nazis had already begun to undermine the Weimar Republic, the Reichstag fire in February leads to the end of the Reichstag as a truly democratic body.

1945 | The Reichstag building is in ruins after six years of war.

1955 | The West German Bundestag decides to restore the Reichstag building in West Berlin

1961-64 | The Reichstag building is rebuilt - minus its dome. Since the West German capital is in Bonn, the Reichstag can't be used as a parliament building. In August 1961 the Berlin Wall goes up. Part of it stands right next to the Reichstag.

1989 | The Berlin Wall comes down on November 9.

1990 | German reunification is officially declared on October 3.

1991 | On June 20, with a bare majority of only 18 votes, the Bundestag votes to move the German capital back to Berlin from Bonn.

1993 | A competition for designing the Reichstag's renovation begins. From an original field of 80, the British architect Norman Foster wins out over two other final contestants. Neither Foster's first nor second design for the Reichstag includes a dome. Both plans are rejected in the end.

1994 | In January the Bundestag in Bonn votes to approve the Wrapped Reichstag project.

1995 | Foster proposes a new plan with a transparent glass and steel dome open to the public. His design, with a spiral walkway, copies earlier proposals by two other architects. Today the dome is the building's most popular feature.

1995 | For two weeks in June/July, the Wrapped Reichstag is on display. At the end of July, construction work begins on the renovation of the Reichstag building.

1999 | In April, a symbolic key ceremony opens the renovated Reichstag building and its dome. In September the Bundestag convenes there for the first time.

2010 | A terrorism scare closes the Reichstag building to the public briefly in December. After that, the public can only visit the building with advanced reservations for a specific date and time.

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Brandenburg University of Technology

Module: Architecture, city and spaces (M22504)

Instructor: Prof. Dr. Raimund Fein

Dr. Evin Eris

25th July, 2023

Compiled by: Himanshi Gohel