In April of 2005 I travelled from Ghana to Berlin for a short visit. Outfitted with a newly acquired Digital-SLR I went on a Photo-Safari through parts of downtown for some trials. There is nothing special about the pictures, and I would have deleted most of them, were it not for some details of which I thought that they could be interesting at a later point. This later point is now. Some things have changed, others haven´t. As Berlin is a city of dramatic transformation since 1989, it´s predestined for constant documentation. These pictures are not documentary, but they are a random choice of landmark venues that are prone to changes. The major difference compared to now is the space where the Palace of the Republic (Palast der Republik) once stood. In the pictures the process of demolition can be seen. But there are one or two other developments going on as well.

A nice view looking south towards the former headquarters of the former East German Government (at left), with the original surviving entrance of the old city palace, which was relocated and integrated into the modern socialist architectural experiment. It is now used by the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT). To the right, behind the white umbrella roofs is the building of the former Central Committee of East Germany´s Communist Party, now housing part of the German Foreign Office. Next to it is the light colored modernist cubicle, with the other part of the Foreign Office in it. Then the mock setup of the famous Building Academy (Bauakademie) of Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the great architect and city planner. When you look closely you can see that one corner is actually reconstructed as a real life impression. This was done by architectural students between 2000 and 2001, to emphasize the idea of a complete reconstruction. At the extreme right is the Neo-Gothic Friedrichwerder Church, also by Schinkel.

Looking east from Schlossplatz to Alexanderplatz. The Berlin Cathedral to the left is the parish church of the Protestant Congregation. Even though called a Cathedral it never was the seat of a bishop. To the right the famed Palace of the Republic, partly deconstructed. Straight ahead the TV Tower at Alexanderplatz, Germany´s highest structure. As Germany was getting ready to host the FIFA Football World Championship the round stainless steel dome was designed with the pattern of a football.

Deconstruction progressing. An Information Booth to the left, plans and pictures of future plans along the

construction site fence. The football in background.

Cathedral, Palace of the Republic and Excavation Site of the old Palace cellars in forefround. 

The new part of the Federal Foreign Office at left, Friedrichswerder Curch and the mock setup of the

Building Academy of Schinkel.

Construction of new townhouses and shops next to the Foreign Office.

More of Berlin 2005