Resonanz

 

10 Reasons why we should rebuild the Potsdam Palace to house the Landtag (Parliament of the Federal State of Brandenburg)

4. No other building in Brandenburg has been visited by so many famous historical personages, scientists, researchers and artists

5. Why reconstruct the Palace for the state parliament, the Landtag?

• Because it is the right location for the purpose.  It was here that the fate of the principality of Brandenburg was decided, in many instances.  This is where future decisions should be taken.
• Nearly all German parliaments at the Land level reside in historical buildings.

• The German national Bundestag has its offices and assembly in the Reichstag building.
• Nearly every nation in Europe now houses its parliament in buildings that, historically, had a similar function.

6. Would that be looking back, an expression of nostalgia?

• The answer is a very clear “no”.  Ever since antiquity, all peoples and nations have reconstructed buildings that served to define their identities in order to give their future a new base.  In all of Eastern Europe, the reconstruction and re-design of such buildings is a central issue in the societal discourses of many nations.
• The reconstruction of Warsaw has been recognized as a world heritage site.  In Vilnius, the Renaissance palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is being restored and will open in 2010 as the national museum, also housing cultural venues.  In Paris, considerations are under way to reconstruct the Tuileries palace.  The castles of St. Petersburg have been rebuilt; some continue to be rebuilt, without any discussion whatsoever.

• In Germany, many cities are working to heal the wounds torn by World War II and the destruction caused by the “demolitionary reconstruction” of the post-war era.  The cities of Dresden, Frankfurt am Main, Wesel, Halle, Nuremberg, Leipzig, Halberstadt are some of those that have pursued reconstruction projects.  Interestingly, the majority of these projects’ backers are young people.

7. Were Potsdam to construct a new building, or mix various styles, Potsdam and Brandenburg will miss out on a societal trend of our time.  People do not come to Potsdam to see steel and concrete; they want to see art and experience history.