Berlin Information Center

Paul Kozak

Berlin,

Information Center

for the World

The assignment was to propose an alternative to the plan of tearing down the existing structure of the “Palast der Republik”, the home of the Parliament of the former Democratic Republic of Germany and replace it with the copy of the “Stadtschloss”, the historical imperial palace from the Hohenzollern rule, a symbol of the ruling power of the pre-war Germany that previously occupied the grounds. A controversial plan that is vigorously debated in the Bundestag and the press.

My alternative was a proposal to dedicate this space, which is in the center of the new Europe, to a vast information and communication center. A center that would not only mark the geographical importance of the space but also draw the attention and resources in an attempt to unite, inform and advance communication between people. A new structure that would look into the better future instead of the proposed “statue” in the glory of the dubious past.

My proposal consisted of three elements.

1. The refurbished building of the parliament that would be adapted to the needs of various organizations, universities and institutes that would be offered a permanent space for their information centers. A building that would also house the necessary services like washrooms and restaurants.

2. A colossal grid or multi-story scaffolding “growing” out of the existing building that would be a base for temporary exhibitions and demonstrations of various advances in information and communications.

3. A dome that would cover the joined structure. A dome constructed using “Spatium Gelatum” technology. A futuristic concept of biological architecture currently researched and developed by an architect and scientist, Zbigniew Oksiuta.