Berlin: The Buildings of Europe

by Derek Fraser

Berlin has long been an important city for those interested in architecture. A place to experience, at first hand, the Romantic Classism of Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the social housing of Bruno Taut, the Bauhaus approach of Walter Gropius and Mies van der Rohe and the individuality and inventiveness of Erich Mendelsohn and Hans Charoun. More recently, the Internationale Bauausstellung (International Building Exhibition) endeavoured to set model architecture against the deficiencies of post-war development in the city centre - then damaged and divided. Over two hundred building projects were executed - most completed by 1987 to coincide with Berlin's 750th anniversary. Alongside the home-based architects, the list of winners from the international competitions held include Zahah Hadid, Herman Hertzberger, Arata Isozaki, Rem Koolhaas, Rob Krier, Charles Moore, Aldo Rossi and James Stirling. The city has, since 1989, entered into a new phase of growth and renewal. With a revived spirit of optimism extending into its building programme, Berlin is once more poised to take its place alongside the most prestigious capital cities. This brilliantly informative guide brings together an essential collection of Berlin's most significant buildings drawn from the widest historical background with a bias towards modern architecture. A total of 184 numbered entries with 270 photographs provide references to 260 buildings. Each entry has a photograph, name, date, address and architect. A variety of detailed site plans and street maps show the location of each building.

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1997

Reviews

[Michael Heath-Caldwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comprehensive book on buildings in Berlin. Mainly black and white photography as well as the write-ups.