Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building has served as Germany's parliamentary home through multiple political eras. Originally designed by Paul Wallot in Neo-Renaissance style and completed in 1894, it housed the Imperial Diet during the German Empire (1871-1918) and the Weimar Republic (1919-1933).\n\nFollowing German reunification, Norman Foster undertook a fundamental redesign from 1995-1999, transforming the historic structure for permanent parliamentary use. Foster's renovation addressed four key principles: democratic significance, historical understanding, public accessibility, and environmental sustainability.\n\nThe building's most striking feature is Foster's glass dome, constructed from an original idea by Gottfried Böhm and built by Waagner-Biro. This transparent cupola symbolizes German reunification and democratic transparency. The dome offers 360-degree views of Berlin while allowing visitors to observe the Bundestag chamber directly below through the debating floor's glass ceiling.\n\nTwo steel spiral ramps forming a double helix structure guide visitors through the dome to an observation platform. A central mirrored cone directs natural sunlight into the parliamentary chamber below, significantly reducing artificial lighting needs. The dome incorporates solar arrays and advanced ventilation systems, making the Reichstag a symbol of Germany's renewable energy commitment.\n\nThe architectural concept emphasizes democratic accessibility by allowing public and parliamentary entrances through the same building spaces. Citizens can literally ascend above their elected representatives in the observation dome, reinforcing the democratic principle of popular sovereignty.\n\nConstruction completed in 1999, with the Bundestag officially convening on April 19 of that year. The building has since become Germany's second most visited attraction, particularly popular for evening visits when the illuminated dome creates dramatic views across Berlin.\n\nPublic access requires advance registration, and the rooftop terrace restaurant extends the public realm above the parliamentary chambers. This integration of civic accessibility with governmental function demonstrates how historical buildings can be adapted for contemporary democratic needs while respecting their architectural heritage.