Modern German Architecture

Because of its tragic history, German architecture consists of a blend between the historical and a more optimistic future. Movements that were squashed by the Nazis, such as Expressionism, are enjoying a rebirth in modern German buildings.

Berlin

• Berlin represents the heart of modern German architecture. Many regional building materials have been used to construct new, vibrant government and state buildings. Of particular interest is Potsdam Square, where famous architects such as Meinhard von Gerkan and Renzo Piano have designed a diverse collection of buildings housing everything from restaurants to museums.

Frankfurt

• Frankfurt boasts the most skyscrapers of any German town--more than 100 exist on the skyline there. Skyscrapers are generally made of steel and glass and are topped with crowns or triangular peaks.

Neo-expressionism

• Through computer design, German architects have created many unique sculptural buildings that have an artistic sensibility and recall the Expressionist movement of old. An example of a neo-expressionist building Norman Foster's Reichstag Dome.

Minimalism

• Minimalism represents another modern movement. Minimal buildings like Neue Nationalgalerie and the new central railway station in Berlin exhibit the core of this movement through their simple, unadorned structures.