Reichstag Architecture

The Reichstag was designed by German architect Paul Wallott originally. 

Many considered The design a marvel of architecture, but some also criticized it for being bold and mixing different architectural styles.

Reichstag also consisted of many amenities thought to be way ahead of the time in 1894, like temperature-controlled heating, double-glazed windows, toilets with running water, an electrical power station and a telephone.

The original Reichstag building also had a cupola at the center. Today, it is a mix of different architectures and a fascinating combination of different eras.

Discover the awe-inspiring architecture of the Reichstag while exploring its Plenary Chamber, Dome, and Government District on this captivating tour.

Built originally during Emperor rule, it saw changes made to it in the post-war era during Divided Germany and underwent a major reconstruction after establishing the Republic of United Germany.

Norman Foster, a British architect, oversaw the reconstruction in 1992. He was behind the addition of the glass dome, a primary feature of the building. 

The reconstruction done by Norman Foster and his team was a major one. The building had to be revamped into a functioning place, not just a monument. 

The inner walls were wholly redone, and many things, such as statues and ornaments, were removed as they were damaged after years of destruction and neglect.

Other features of Reichstag architecture include:-

• Facade
• Inner Courtyard
• Plenary Chamber
• Spiral Ramp
• Sustainable Design

The Facade is one of the longest-standing features of the building. 

It has been there since the original building was constructed. It features beautiful sculpting, design and a neo-renaissance style that was predominant in the late 19th century.

The inner courtyard is the most peaceful place in the building. It offers peace and great views of the building.

Situated below the glass dome, the plenary chamber is a prominent highlight of the Reichstag building architecture. 

It is situated in such a way that natural light illuminates the room and offers a unique setting during parliamentary sessions.

The spiral ramp is a notable work in Reichstag architecture. It takes people from the ground floor to the top of the glass dome with different levels of view as they climb up the ramp. It is beautiful as well as convenient.

Aside from the Reichstag building architecture, there is also a feature showing the future. 

The building generates renewable energy and has many nature-friendly features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.

The Reichstag architecture style is a combination of multiple types of architecture. 

• Renaissance architecture
• Renaissance Revival architecture
• Postmodern architecture
• Baroque Revival architecture

Renaissance architecture relates to the outward look of a building for the most part. It is based on making the building geometrically accurate, symmetrical and of equal proportion.

Structural parts like columns, lintels and domes are a staple of this type of architecture. They can be seen in Reichstag, too.

The Renaissance Revival type of architecture is inspired by Italian architecture. It works best on large-scale buildings. It pays attention to classical details in a building, such as columns, round arches and balustrades.

This style also features symmetrical facades, masonry and exterior walls adorned by stone with a hint of terra cotta to give a beautiful finishing touch.

Some examples of Renaissance Revival architecture are Villa Meyer (Dresden), Villa Haas (Hesse), Palais Borsig (Berlin), and Villa Meissner (Leipzig).

The Reichstag architecture style incorporates several features of the revival architecture. It also consists of a Postmodern style of architecture.

Postmodern architecture started about 60 years ago. It introduced variety and vibrance into the design of buildings. 

Some characteristics of this architecture include curved forms, decorative elements, bright colors and features borrowed from earlier periods. 

Another specialty and difference from other styles was a focus on asymmetry instead of symmetry. 

The colors and texture of the building were not done to match the tone or purpose of the building. This contrast gave a unique look while retaining the aspect of beauty.

You can observe some features of this style used by Norman Foster in Reichstag architecture.

Another style used is the baroque revival one. 

Baroque was a very decorative type of architecture that focused on theatrics, Baroque Revival or Neo-Baroque, came later towards the end of the 19th century, right when construction work for Reichstag began.

A characteristic of this style is eclecticism, which is the mixing of various styles from a wide range of time and architectures to create something new. 

Some other features are dramatic spatial and lighting sequences, a lavish interior using contrasting colors and textures and monumentality to give the building a luxurious look.

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