Palenque's Berlin Journal
Apr 6th, 2006, 06:13 AM
#122
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Yes the palace should be saved - i agree with many Ossies who favor keeping it as part of their East Berlin/DDR heritage. A few years ago they wrapped the building in a trompe l'oeil facade mimicking the old Schloss and though it looked kind of neat to rebuilt the old castle would only end up in an Ersatz structure - Berlin has swept away most relics of the Wall, statues of Lenin and Marx, etc. and perhaps i understand this but i think the city loses some of its intriguing heritage by washing everything away.
Apr 6th, 2006, 08:31 AM
#123
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The rebuilding of the former palace would be the most backward and narrow-minded thing one could do.
It may have been a mistake to have it torn down, but now that it has happened, there is no use in re-constructing it. Still most people seem to consider it a pretty good idea...says a lot about German mentality these days, I suppose.
However, I am not so sure that the Palast der Republik should be kept in place either. It appears to be extremely run-down (didn't they offer boat rides through its basement for a while?!) and there must be tons of asbestos in its concrete structure.
Let them build something new there, something in style and something really reflecting class of the current time - that's my (insignificant) vote.
It may have been a mistake to have it torn down, but now that it has happened, there is no use in re-constructing it. Still most people seem to consider it a pretty good idea...says a lot about German mentality these days, I suppose.
However, I am not so sure that the Palast der Republik should be kept in place either. It appears to be extremely run-down (didn't they offer boat rides through its basement for a while?!) and there must be tons of asbestos in its concrete structure.
Let them build something new there, something in style and something really reflecting class of the current time - that's my (insignificant) vote.
Apr 6th, 2006, 08:34 AM
#124
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Apparently the palace is crumbling thru neglect but it has several astonishing rooms inside according to an article i just read - very exceptionally acclaimed decor in some - sad to lose but who knows maybe the new old Schloss will be nice again in its old spot.
Apr 14th, 2006, 08:07 AM
#126
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Berlin's Biennial of Art
Berlin's Biennial Art show - the fourth one staged - has taken over one of East Berlin's most storied streets - Auguststrasse - the art is not concentrated in a few buildings but is spaced along the whole street, in private apartments, an old school, a cemetery, galleries, a ballroom, etc.
The show runs through May 28, 2006.
(I had never heard of Auguststrasse before i read the NYT (4-11-06) coverage of the Biennial - they called it one of Berlin's most storied streets so i'll have to check it out next time in Berlin!)
Has anyone more knowledge of why this street would be called "storied"? Thanks.
Berlin's Biennial Art show - the fourth one staged - has taken over one of East Berlin's most storied streets - Auguststrasse - the art is not concentrated in a few buildings but is spaced along the whole street, in private apartments, an old school, a cemetery, galleries, a ballroom, etc.
The show runs through May 28, 2006.
(I had never heard of Auguststrasse before i read the NYT (4-11-06) coverage of the Biennial - they called it one of Berlin's most storied streets so i'll have to check it out next time in Berlin!)
Has anyone more knowledge of why this street would be called "storied"? Thanks.
Apr 19th, 2006, 05:53 AM
#127
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Hey, this is a great post. Have not read all 125 yet, but made a good start. It is getting me excited for our trip in July to Berlin. This will be my second time there, but the last time was 1992, so I am expecting lots of changes. It is a unique city and I love its historical significance. Yeah! I can't wait. It is DH's first time.
May 19th, 2006, 08:06 AM
#128
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NEW CENTRAL TRAIN STATION OPENS
The highly acclaimed new Berlin Hauptbahnhof, called by some sources to be the first new central station built in Europe in about a century, should be opening in the next few days, as Berlin gears up for the World Cup Football matches and final.
The new station is impressive outside and inside - a huge all glass ceiling covers the sprawling station, which will feature many shops, cafes, etc. as well as trains.
The Zoo Station, formerly Berlin's main train station in many regards, will now be closed to most long-distance trains except for some overnight trains. (Constant S-Bahn and regional trains shuttle between the new main station and the Zoo station.)
The new station will handle trains from all directions - on the present east-west access and on a new north-south line that burrows under several miles of central Berlin - trains that currently arrive at Berlin's OStbahnhof and Leichtenburg Bahnhof will now go directly to the new station i guess.
I'd be appreciative of any personal reports on this new station that seems poised to be one of Europe's classic train sheds.
The new station is near the Reichstag and government complexes on the Spree River - an area that, once languished as a waste land since it was near the Berlin Wall, is now a hubbub of construction of mainly government buildings.
The highly acclaimed new Berlin Hauptbahnhof, called by some sources to be the first new central station built in Europe in about a century, should be opening in the next few days, as Berlin gears up for the World Cup Football matches and final.
The new station is impressive outside and inside - a huge all glass ceiling covers the sprawling station, which will feature many shops, cafes, etc. as well as trains.
The Zoo Station, formerly Berlin's main train station in many regards, will now be closed to most long-distance trains except for some overnight trains. (Constant S-Bahn and regional trains shuttle between the new main station and the Zoo station.)
The new station will handle trains from all directions - on the present east-west access and on a new north-south line that burrows under several miles of central Berlin - trains that currently arrive at Berlin's OStbahnhof and Leichtenburg Bahnhof will now go directly to the new station i guess.
I'd be appreciative of any personal reports on this new station that seems poised to be one of Europe's classic train sheds.
The new station is near the Reichstag and government complexes on the Spree River - an area that, once languished as a waste land since it was near the Berlin Wall, is now a hubbub of construction of mainly government buildings.
May 19th, 2006, 08:17 AM
#129
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Hi PalQ.
I remember seeing this under construction last year, when we were trying to find our way to the Hamburger Bahnhof. The area was indeed as you say a bit of a building site - plus we ended up going through what looked like a university and/or hospital ?
Have a nice weekend. Caroline
I remember seeing this under construction last year, when we were trying to find our way to the Hamburger Bahnhof. The area was indeed as you say a bit of a building site - plus we ended up going through what looked like a university and/or hospital ?
Have a nice weekend. Caroline
May 19th, 2006, 09:34 AM
#130
Dear PalQ - what an amazing thread - very difficult to find anything to add except that I can't wait to go back to Berlin, which I'm planning for Easter 2007. One thing I don't think you've mentioned [and there can't be many] is the excellent Deutsches historisches Museum, [opposite the Staatsoper on Unter den Linden] which when we visited, had a very frank exhibition of the history of the jews in Germany including thier economic exploitation by the nazis. We also enjoyed Schloss Charlottenburg, and the boat trip back to Central berlin afterwards, which takes you past the Reichstag etc. Also excellent little restaurants just outside.
We also agree about the Nikolaivertel - it was suggested to us by our hotel receptionist and we ended up there most nights for a drink or a wander.
Something we didn't realise was how much water there is in Berlin and just walking along the canal bank was very pleasant, and a very good way to get from one district to another. Overated? - Gendarmenplatz, which is just for tourists.
Thanks again for the thread.
We also agree about the Nikolaivertel - it was suggested to us by our hotel receptionist and we ended up there most nights for a drink or a wander.
Something we didn't realise was how much water there is in Berlin and just walking along the canal bank was very pleasant, and a very good way to get from one district to another. Overated? - Gendarmenplatz, which is just for tourists.
Thanks again for the thread.
May 21st, 2006, 11:44 AM
#131
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Just a small follow up on the "highly acclaimed" Lehrter Bahnhof:
For those of you capable of some German, its architect, Hamburg based Prof. Meinhard v. Gerkan is interviewed in today's edition of Welt am Sonntag.
http://www.wams.de/data/2006/05/21/890141.html?s=2
For those of you not capable of enough German, Mr. v. Gerkan is currently suing Deutsche Bahn AG because they incorporated severe (and unauthorized) amendments into the building.
One of these is the shortening of the glass roof by 131 meters (!!!), a fact that is indeed noticeable and that affects the proportions of the building negatively IMHO.
Another aspect Mr. v. Gerkan complains about concerns a different design of the ceilings within the building, which I have not yet been able to take a look at.
Mr. v. Gerkan reasons that it is totally inacceptable for him to tolerate the banalizement of his architecture by Deutsche Bahn AG.
From a legal standpoint this is going to be a pretty interesting issue as it will deal with the conflict of Intellectual Property rights of the architect versus the rights of the building owner to freely dispose of their own property.
Mr. v. Gerkan is confident that he is going to win and that Deutsche Bahn will have to arrange a reconstruction of the building to conform with the plans originally outlined by him.
Interestingly enough it appears that Deutsche Bahn did not even save money though said amendments as these seem to have occurred on short notice when all orders for the materials necessary for a construction according to the original plans had been placed already.
For those of you capable of some German, its architect, Hamburg based Prof. Meinhard v. Gerkan is interviewed in today's edition of Welt am Sonntag.
http://www.wams.de/data/2006/05/21/890141.html?s=2
For those of you not capable of enough German, Mr. v. Gerkan is currently suing Deutsche Bahn AG because they incorporated severe (and unauthorized) amendments into the building.
One of these is the shortening of the glass roof by 131 meters (!!!), a fact that is indeed noticeable and that affects the proportions of the building negatively IMHO.
Another aspect Mr. v. Gerkan complains about concerns a different design of the ceilings within the building, which I have not yet been able to take a look at.
Mr. v. Gerkan reasons that it is totally inacceptable for him to tolerate the banalizement of his architecture by Deutsche Bahn AG.
From a legal standpoint this is going to be a pretty interesting issue as it will deal with the conflict of Intellectual Property rights of the architect versus the rights of the building owner to freely dispose of their own property.
Mr. v. Gerkan is confident that he is going to win and that Deutsche Bahn will have to arrange a reconstruction of the building to conform with the plans originally outlined by him.
Interestingly enough it appears that Deutsche Bahn did not even save money though said amendments as these seem to have occurred on short notice when all orders for the materials necessary for a construction according to the original plans had been placed already.
May 21st, 2006, 12:05 PM
#132
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(Hi hsv!)
PalQ, indeed an interesting thread! I love it.
We had a similar issue here in Dresden with architect vs. property owner. There was a cinema complex built in downtown Dresden in the 1990s (controversial modern architecture) by the UFA, architects COOP Himmel
l)au, Vienna.
The UFA wanted changes for the entrance of the underground parking, but the architects did not agree, so the project was not finished for about 4 or 5 years. Finally they built it as designed by the architects. Interesting perspective for Mr. von Gerkan
PalQ, indeed an interesting thread! I love it.
We had a similar issue here in Dresden with architect vs. property owner. There was a cinema complex built in downtown Dresden in the 1990s (controversial modern architecture) by the UFA, architects COOP Himmel
l)au, Vienna.The UFA wanted changes for the entrance of the underground parking, but the architects did not agree, so the project was not finished for about 4 or 5 years. Finally they built it as designed by the architects. Interesting perspective for Mr. von Gerkan
May 21st, 2006, 12:21 PM
#133
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As my July trip rapidly approaches, I just want to thank all of you ahead of time who have contributed to this wonderful thread. This will be my first opportunity to visit Germany is many, many years (will visit Berlin and Dresden), so I am reading and re-reading all this valuable information.
Many thanks!
Many thanks!
May 23rd, 2006, 08:16 AM
#134
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hsv & ingo: Thanks for the interesting discussion of artists' rights versus practical implementation - nevertheless when i saw the station two years ago, when i got off there at the S-Bahn portion which was then in operation the station seemed very impressive to me - perhaps not as artistic it seems as to what the architect desired.
I'm split on who is right - artist or DB - i guess it will boil down to what the contract says - seems DB should have written it that they could do what they want - can't see the new station being vastly altered after completion at such cost.
It's still a most impressive train shed and stands as a sentinel to futuristic trains and a stark contrast to Berlin's oldest train shed, the former Hamburger Bahnhof just across the way.
But thanks for the thoughtful responses you both gave.
I'm split on who is right - artist or DB - i guess it will boil down to what the contract says - seems DB should have written it that they could do what they want - can't see the new station being vastly altered after completion at such cost.
It's still a most impressive train shed and stands as a sentinel to futuristic trains and a stark contrast to Berlin's oldest train shed, the former Hamburger Bahnhof just across the way.
But thanks for the thoughtful responses you both gave.
Aug 11th, 2006, 11:15 AM
#135
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Author: Kate_W
Date: 08/11/2006, 03:05 pm
How about the incredibly interesting Propeller Island Lodge? It's an art hotel, with each room constituting a work of art, in its own way. It was quite convenient to public transportation - about a 2 block walk to the metro. Our room was about 110 euros in 2004.
Even if you don't stay there, check out its website: http://www.propeller-island.com/room...l/01/index.php
Kate - i just had to add this very intriguing and unique Berlin hotel to this journal. Thanks for posting it on another post.
Date: 08/11/2006, 03:05 pm
How about the incredibly interesting Propeller Island Lodge? It's an art hotel, with each room constituting a work of art, in its own way. It was quite convenient to public transportation - about a 2 block walk to the metro. Our room was about 110 euros in 2004.
Even if you don't stay there, check out its website: http://www.propeller-island.com/room...l/01/index.php
Kate - i just had to add this very intriguing and unique Berlin hotel to this journal. Thanks for posting it on another post.
Aug 14th, 2006, 07:53 AM
#137
PalQ - thanks for all the fascinating info. Are you on a retainer from the Berlin Tourist office - you certainly should be.
We loved our one and only trip to Berlin last year, and are thinking about going back again this October. AS a family of 2 adults and 2 late teens, would you stay by the Brandenburg gate [great for day-time sight-seeing] or near the Kurfuestendamm, which I think would have more to do at night, and more shops for our 19 year-old daughter?
I'd appreciate any thoughts.
We loved our one and only trip to Berlin last year, and are thinking about going back again this October. AS a family of 2 adults and 2 late teens, would you stay by the Brandenburg gate [great for day-time sight-seeing] or near the Kurfuestendamm, which I think would have more to do at night, and more shops for our 19 year-old daughter?
I'd appreciate any thoughts.
Aug 14th, 2006, 10:41 AM
#138
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Dear annhig: thanks for the kind words. And i'd say just about the same thing you're thinking regards the two areas - Brandenburg, except for the gaggle of tourists around the gate rather deserted area at night compared to vibrant Ku-damm - just a brighter livlier area with Berlin's best shopping i believe, on a large scale.
