Mario Bellini architect(s)

After such a short time since the fall of the "wall" and the consequent reunification of Berlin, the competition, with a fairly free formula, asked the invited architects to submit proposals for the activation of a new large-scale multiple heart which could give an identity to the new Berlin.On a large scale the area lying between Brandenburg Gate, Mehringplatz, Alexanderplatz and the S-Bahn route was taken into consideration. Within this area, but purely by way of example, a series of operations are indicated with the object or reuniting the two previously separated cities. However the main idea behind the whole competition lies in the reenhancement of the Museuminsel and of the medieval citadel: a broad square defined by a circular building and by a group of lower in-line buildings will accomodate a vast complex to be allocated to the interaction of the art and science. Facing the two branches of the Sprea, it will act as the backdrop to the historc monumental avenue, as the old castle did, but it will have a more open innovative typology, distributed transversall like a hinge opposite the Altes Museum. In the area between the Sprea and the S-Bahn, a sort of multifunctional "village" is proposed with a high density of services and a bustling vitality throughout the day.
Between the "New Castle" and Alexanderplatz, in the reintegrated central sequence of blocks, an uninterrupted system of raised pedestrian spaces will be opened. These will be linked by an arcade to a central porticoed plaza, which faces towards Marienkirche and Rathaus and indirectly the "New Castle" and Fernsehturm (the maintenance of which is proposed).
Rich with opportunities, places and levels, this Plaza will be the symbol of the whole district and, after the fine backcloth created by the raised station, it will have its bridgehead in Alexanderplatz.

BERLIN MORGEN: IDEEN FÜR DAS HERZ EINER GROSSTADT