REICHSTAG DOME IN BERLIN

Reichstag Dome (New Dome) in Berlin, Germany

Reichstag Dome (New Dome) in Berlin, Germany

Introduction

The aim of this research is to trace, both from inside and outside, despite the unusual construction methods and material (iron and glass), its environmental impact, all the symbolisms that the realization of Sir Norman Foster - the Reichstag dome - involves. Simultaneously, we want to show the deep relationship between the construction techniques and the use of unusual material as well as the environmental impact it has.

Technical information

Description

Value

Construction materials used

dome 

steel 

Dimensions

Initial construction

dome  

height to tip of dome

75 m

Reconfiguration

 

gross floor space

61 166 m2

dome  

diameter

40 m

 

height

23.5 m

 

height to observation deck

59 m

 

height to platform

40.7 m

 

glazed surface

3 000 m2

 

height to tip of dome

47 m

plenary hall  

height

25 m

 

seats

669

 

gross floor space

ca. 1 200 m2

Quantities used in construction

dome  

structural steel

800 t

And it will be interesting to examine how he geometry of this nearly spherical glass dome in Berlin (generated by the envelop of truncated pyramids) is linked inside to a pseudo spherical shape, whose geometric construction and symbolic meaning we want to explore.

The dome as seen from the ceiling of the Reichstag

Literature Review

With the reunification of Germany and the decision to move the capital from Bonn back to Berlin, it was also decided that the original Reichstag building be rebuilt along with a new dome that emphasized a unified Germany. The English architect Sir Norman Foster won the award at the international competition. But the winning project was not built (Norberg, 1986, Pp 110). This competition was held as if to choose the architect to design the new dome; not to choose the project to be built. Restoration of the glazed dome will house a visitors' platform and provide natural light and ventilation. The Bonn Government is committed to move to Berlin in 1998-2000 and the building has opened on 19.April.1999 (Steffens, 1997, Pp 74).

It is constructed of 24 steel ribs (as counted in the photographs). They are bound together by the twin-helical ramp. It has one skin made of steel and laminated glass. The building's original dome burnt down in 1933 and wasn't replaced until 1993, 60 years later. It's a modern glass structure that symbolizes transparency in government and the new, forward-thinking Germany (Stadtwandel, 2002, Pp 125).

The dome has only one skin made of steel ribs and supported by the twin-helical steel ramp. The filling of these ribs is only laminated glass and it only covers the dome, it doesn't have any structural property (Feurich, 1999, Pp 34). The dome is carried only by the ribs and supported by the steel ramp. The diameter of the dome is 40 meters, and the height is 23.5 meters (Steffens, 1997, Pp 74). People can climb up to the top of the dome by using the twin-helical ramp. By this ramp, movement only in one direction is possible, so you don't hit anybody while climbing up or down (Stadtwandel, 2002, Pp 125). This ramp goes up to the visitors' platform, also supports and carries the dome as well (Norberg, 1986, ...