Neo-historical East Berlin

In the years prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the leaders of the German Democratic Republic planned to construct a city center that was simultaneously modern and historical, consisting of both redesign of old buildings and new architectural developments. Drawing from recently released archival sources and interviews with former key government officials, decision-makers and architects, this book sheds light not only on this unique programme in postmodern design, but also on the debates which were taking place with the Socialist government. Contents: Introduction; Neo-historical East Berlin; Obsolescence becomes obsolete: Arnimplatz, Arkonaplatz and beyond; 'Rekonstuktion': the Spandauer Vorstadt neighborhood; Prefab old town: Nikolaiviertel; 'Restauration 1900': the Prenzlauer Berg district; Experiencing the center: Freidrichstraße; Re-feeling history: the Platz der Akademie (Gendarmenmarkt); Conclusion: faux past; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.