10 24
The reconstructed façade of the Berliner Schloss stands as a towering emblem of a misled conversation. The “Berliner” were able to reimagine the long-forgotten castle due to the The Stadtschloss-Attrappe (1993), a massive scaffolding system, holding a 1:1 facade replica. The debate about what to do with such a complex site, found a way too simple answer: the reconstruction of the Berliner Schloss. Due to this simplification, today the question is how to unveil the well-hidden layers of history.
REFLECTING BERLIN is both collective deep thinking and the physical return of light that allows to face the past. The artistic installation is a detached scaffolding structure placed in front of the palace’s façades: one side is adorned with a mirror, the other hosts an open staircase.
The mirror is facing the Humboldt Forum and transforms the place into a public space of reflection, urging viewers to delve into the layers of history beneath the surface. The reflective side will serve as a canvas for artistic installations and critical expressions, with contributions that continuously reinterpret the façade, creating a living dialogue that brings new life into the historical narrative. Adaptable to any of the Forum’s façades, its temporary nature underscores the ongoing dialogue about history and identity, mirroring Berlin’s ever-evolving narrative. The structure engages with its urban context, fostering a dialogue with the Altes Museum and Berlin’s broader historical landscape.
The open staircase, inspired by Schinkel’s architectural principles, will provide an unusual panorama of the city, offering viewers a perspective that situates the Humboldt Forum within Berlin’s intricate tapestry. Each level of the structure will host exhibitions exploring the site’s complex history, the provenance of the collections, and Berlin’s diverse narrative. These spaces will invite informal appropriation by the public, making the history of Berlin a living experience.
REFLECTING BERLIN becomes a profound statement, a vessel for both literal and metaphorical contemplation. By reflecting the Humboldt Forum’s façade, the mirror initiates a dialogue between reality and its replica, exposing the tension between the visible and the concealed complexities of history. This interplay becomes a powerful symbol of the duality inherent in the site’s history — a link between the reconstructed façade and the multifaceted narratives of Berlin’s past. Furthermore, it allows a multiple intervention on the façades.
REFLECTING BERLIN in both light and thought, honors the complexities of history and paves the way for a future that acknowledges and learns from its past.