Reichstag, New German Parliament
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View of the cupola
Nigel Young Download Original
Rebuilding of the German Parliament building in a transparent manner, replacing the original dome with a glass cupola to allow the process of governing to be observed
The transformation is rooted in four issues: the significance of the Bundestag as a democratic forum; a commitment to public accessibility; a sensitivity to history; and a rigorous environmental agenda.
Within the masonry shell the scheme is transparent, opening up the interior to light and placing its activities on view. Public and politicians enter through the same entrance. The public realm continues on the roof in the terrace restaurant and the cupola where helical ramps lead to an observation platform, allowing the people to ascend above the heads of their elected representatives in the chamber.
The building uses renewable bio-fuel which reduces its carbon dioxide emissions. Surplus heat is stored as hot water in a tank 300 metres below ground, and can be used to heat or to drive an absorption cooling plant to produce chilled water. The cupola is used in the lighting and ventilation strategies. A light sculptor reflects light into the chamber, with a moveable sun-shield blocking solar gain and glare. At night, this process is reversed.
Data
- Begun: Jul 1995
- Completed: Apr 1999
- Floor area: 61,000m2
- Sector: Civic
- Total cost: £260M
- Address: Platz der Republik, Berlin, 10557, Germany
Professional Team 
- Architect: Foster + Partners
- Project architect: Stephan Behling
- Client: Bundesrepulik Deutschland
- Structural engineer: Leonhardt Andrä & Partner
- Quantity surveyor: Davis Langdon & Everest
- Lighting consultant: Claude Engle
- Site supervision: Buro Am Lutzowplatz
- Conservation consultant: Acanthus
- Cladding consultant: Emmer Pfenninger Partner AG
- Environmental engineer: Müller BBM GmbH
- Fire Protection: Prof. Dr. Wolfram Klingsch
- Accoustics: Müller BBM GmbH
- Accoustics: IKP Ingenieur Büro Knothe
- Accoustics: Dr. Georg Plenge
- M&E consultant: Fischer- Energie and Haustech
- M&E consultant: Kuehn Associates
- M&E consultant: Kaiser Bautechnik