The Redevelopment of Central Berlin

The unification of Germany and the decision that Berlin became the federal capital and seat of the federal government brought new challenged for the urban and regional planning. The redevelopment of central Berlin experienced great importance and was subject of significant international architectural design competitions. One of the major competitions were held for Potsdamer Platz, a well known historical place before the 2nd World War in Berlin. This paper was written in preparation for the excursion we are going to have on Wednesday afternoon. It is not an explicit technical presentation but it gives a general information about huge construction activities in this city, where of course elevators take an important role.