The redesign of Potsdamer Platz depicts the struggle to revive Berlin, Germany. This central and highly visible square has undergone a series of strategic revisions to restore its vitality and so to meet place-enhancing objectives. Specifically, the book critically addresses the challenging tasks of restoring Potsdamer Platz from a state of disintegration to a condition worthy of a world-class city, although the questions remain unanswered as to how far the objectives have been achieved. The book enables readers to become familiar with the various stages of transformation, aided by the authors’ hand-drawn illustration – a series of sketches accompanied by narrations focusing on how to critically read ‘cities in transformation’. As a whole, it presents an overview of the strategic process of urban regeneration. The findings from this theoretical exploration help reposition our understanding of the process of re-making a ‘city in decay and transition’; and introduces new strands of regeneration ideologies, politics and methods.
A frenzied German Expressionist tale of orgy as salvation in Weimar Berlin Originally published in German in 1919, Postdamer Platzwas Curt Corrinth's first novel to employ an expressionistic, frenetic prose and presented his excessive vision of free love. Inspired by the sex theories of Freud's controversial disciple Otto Gross, Corrinth preached the sexual orgy as a means to salvation and universal copulation as a new world religion. The book's provincial protagonist, Hans Termaden, arrives in Berlin, where he quickly evolves from city rube to sexual messiah as he converts prostitutes and virgins into sensual warriors and frees men of sexual inhibitions. As word of his exploits spreads, people flock to his headquarters in Potsdamer Platz, turning all buildings into brothels. Police and army attempt to bring order but themselves defect to take part in the spreading copulation as Corrinth's prose itself begins to fragment and melt on the page. Decried in its time, Postdamer Platzcan be read today as a portal into the cultural excesses of Weimar Berlin. This first English translation includes the original illustrations done by Paul Klee for the book's 1920 deluxe edition. Curt Corrinth(1894-1960) studied law until serving in the military in World War I, which resulted in his embracing an antiwar and anti-bourgeois stance through his poetry and then through a series of novels, three of which would be banned by the Nazis in 1933. In 1955, he moved to the GDR in East Berlin, where he died five years later.
“Written in a clear and elegant style, The Ghosts of Berlin is . . . a superb guide to this process of urban self-definition, both past and present.” —The Wall Street Journal In the twenty years since its original publication, The Ghosts of Berlin has become a classic, an unparalleled guide to understanding the presence of history in our built environment, especially in a space as historically contested—and emotionally fraught—as Berlin. Brian Ladd examines the ongoing conflicts radiating from the remarkable fusion of architecture, history, and national identity in Berlin. Returning to the city frequently, Ladd continues to survey the urban landscape, traversing its ruins, contemplating its buildings and memorials, and carefully deconstructing the public debates and political controversies emerging from its past. “With erudition, insight, and restraint, Brian Ladd carries off the dangerous task of analyzing architecture and urbanism in Berlin in terms of its horrific political past. He convincingly argues that architecture embodies ideological meaning more powerfully than other artifacts of a society.” —The New York Times Book Review “Ladd examines the conflicts radiating from [Berlin’s] remarkable fusion of architecture, history and national identity.” —History Today “His history of Berlin’s architectural successes and failures reads entertainingly like a detective novel.” —The New Republic “Ladd’s balanced, sensitive chronicle of the Berlin’s traumatized topography brings the past into focus.” —Harvard Design Magazine
Berlin is a city that visionary architects, city planners, social revolutionaries, and ruling kaisers have all tried to reshape. As a result, it is sheathed in layers of modern history, each providing a chapter in the city's story of constant change. Its rich atmosphere of energy made it the intellectual hub of early twentieth-century Europe: its lively theaters, cafes, and bawdy street life drew visitors from around the world. The four intimate walking tours in this book reveal Berlin's breathtaking history as a small medieval commercial town; as the capital of a nineteenth-century Prussia; as the modern dreamscape of the Weimar Republic; as the "new Rome" of the Third Reich; as a divided city, and now, as the capital of a reunited Germany. Readers will be taken through Merlin Mitte, site of the Brandenburger Tor and the dismantled Wall; past the old stones and new synogogues of the Jewish Quarter; among the working-class neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg; and into the politically vibrant Kreuzberg. Berlinwalks also explores the city's cultural development through the creations of its artists, architects, and novelists, among them Bertolt Brecht, Christopher Isherwood, and Kathe Kollwitz. The book also features maps, more than forty black-and-white photographs, general advice and information, and a select list of restaurants, hotels, and shops. Like the other volumes in this series, Berlinwalks is written for people who want to learn when they travel, not just see.
Lonely Planet: The world's number one travel guide publisher* Lonely Planet's Germany is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Explore the glamour and grit of Berlin, tour hilltop castles in the fairy tale Black Forest and sail along the romantic Rhine - all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Germany and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet's Germany: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics Covers Berlin and around, Saxony, Munich and Bavaria, Stuttgart and the Black Forest, Frankfurt, Cologne, the Rhineland, Lower Saxony and Bremen, Hamburg and the North, Central Germany and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Germany is our most comprehensive guide to Germany, and is perfect for discovering both popular and offbeat experiences. Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet's Berlin for an in-depth look at all the capital has to offer, or our Munich, Bavaria & the Black Forest regional guide. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia) *Source: Nielsen BookScan: Australia, UK, USA, 5/2016-4/2017 eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.
Hidden Berlin brings to life the city's tumultuous history by tracing the evolution of six iconic locations: the reconstructed City Palace, the Berlin Wall, the Nazi Olympic Stadium, Potsdamer Platz, the Brandenburg Gate, and the recreated Nikolaiviertel. In exploring each of these areas, Hidden Berlin illustrates how Berlin has become one of Europe's most complex and dynamic cities. Richly illustrated with images and maps, the volume engages readers through detailed timelines and activities. Additional locations of interest and a bibliography present opportunities for readers to explore on their own. A companion website provides a host of internet-based activities, suggestions for readings, and supplementary resources for each chapter: www.hiddenberlinbook.wordpress.com. Hidden Berlin is an engaging volume for courses on the culture of Berlin or modern Germany, students studying abroad, and visitors to the city who want an enlightened experience.
A practical illustrated guide that brings Germany to life. Essential information about sightseeing, dining, and hotels is all conveniently organized by region.making it easy for you to find the details you need when you are on the go.
