Berliner Reichstag

The transformation of the Reichstag- New German Parliament   Berlin, Reichstag, New German Parliament   Berlin, Germany (1992–1999) built in 1894 was transformed by Pritzker winner Norman Foster with the glass dome. As night falls, the cupola becomes a beacon on the skyline, becoming an established Berlin landmark. The reconstruction takes cues from the original fabric; on one hand, reveal striking imprints of the past - stonemason’s marks and Russian graffiti as a “living museum”; on the other hand, within its heavy shell it is light and transparent, presenting the beauties of Berlin with 360 degree view and its inside activities on view, to form a radical departure. Public and politicians enter the building together and the public realm continues on the roof in the terrace restaurant and in the cupola, where ramps lead to an observation platform. It also drives the building’s natural lighting and ventilation strategies. At its core is a ’light sculptor’ that reflects horizon light down into the chamber, while a sun-shield tracks the path of the sun to block solar gain and glare.