Reichstag, New German Parliament

reichstag, new german parliament berlin, germany (1992-1999) built in 1894was transformed by pritzker winner norman foster with the glass dome. as nightfalls, the cupola becomes a beacon on the skyline as an establishedberlin landmark.the reconstruction takes cues from theoriginal fabric; on one hand, reveal striking imprints of the past -stonemason’s marks and russian graffiti as a "living museum"; on the otherhand, within its heavy shell it is light and transparent, presenting thebeauties of berlin with 360 degree view and its inside activities, toform a radical departure. the public realm continues on the roof in the terrace restaurant and in thecupola, where ramps lead to an observation platform.it also drives the building’s naturallighting and ventilation strategies. at its core is a ’light sculptor’ thatreflects horizon light down into the chamber, while a sun-shield tracks thepath of the sun to block solar gain and glare.