New old palace in Berlin

The Berlin City Palace is to be rebuilt according to plans by the Architect Franco Stella. This was the unanimous decision of a jury of architects and politicians made on 28th November.

The reconstruction of the Palace has been the subject of many discussions in Germany. The Baroque construction in the heart of Berlin that dates back to 1443 was severely damaged by a fire in 1945, and was demolished in 1950 as a “symbol of Prussian absolutism” following the decision by Walter Ulbricht, the Socialist Unity Party leader.

Franco Stella, the 65-year old architect from Italy who has now been awarded the contract for the reconstruction, was the winner of an international competition. As all the approximately 30 participating architects and firms, Stella was bound by the requirements of the German parliament to recreate the Baroque palace façades on three sides of the future Humboldt Forum. The design of the eastern façade facing the Spree River was exempt from this requirement. For this side Stella designed an inviting loggia for public recreation.

Construction of the new City Palace is scheduled to be completed in 2013 at a cost of 553 million euros. The German federal government intends to finance up to440 million euros. The State of Berlin will pay 32 million. 80 million euros for the reconstruction of the Baroque façades is to be financed by donations. Until recently, critics, including renowned architects, had faulted the restrictive specifications of the project, calling for a more modern solution. Meanwhile, doubt has also be expressed whether the specified budget can be maintained.

Behind the Baroque façades the Humboldt Forum will be built to house cultural and scientific collections from Humboldt University. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2010. The German stonemasonry industry hopes to receive numerous contracts as part of the project.