72 hours in Berlin
Interior Design students went on a fact-finding field trip to Berlin, capital city of Germany and mecca for art lovers and architects.
Here’s what they saw...
Neues Museum
The Neues Museum was originally designed by Friedrich August Stuler and built between 1841 and 1859. The building suffered severe damage during World War II and in 1997, the British architect David Chipperfield won the international competition to rebuild it. The result is a wonderful series of spaces that retain the authenticity of the original structure.
Reichstag, New German Parliament
British architect Sir Norman Foster transformed the 19th century Reichstag building in Berlin with a high-tech glass dome. The dome floods the main hall of the parliament with natural light. One of the highlights of the entire trip was when we went up to the top of the dome to view the city at night.
Treptow Crematorium
Built between 1996 and 1998, the ultra modern Treptow Crematorium was designed by Axel Schultes with Charlotte Frank. There being a funeral on while we visited, adding to the incredibly spiritual feel of the space. It embraced the concept that interior space can bring a positive effect on your being. It was like walking through heaven.
Jewish Museum Berlin
The Jewish Museum Berlin, which opened to the public in 2001, exhibits the social, political and cultural history of the Jews in Germany from the 4th century onwards. In 2004, the architect Daniel Libeskind was commissioned to design a multifunctional space and glass courtyard.
And here's what they said...
"Berlin is a new city and its buildings embrace a modern ethic so I got a unique insight into contemporary design, architecture, art and interiors."
"The trip cemented my passion for interior design and gave me bags of ideas and inspiration to take home to my studies."
Image shows Reichstag, New German Parliament. Photographer: Dennis Gilbert, Foster + Partners
