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The Transparent State

Architecture and Politics in Postwar Germany

Deborah Ascher Barnstone author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:7th Jan '05

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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The Transparent State cover

Examining the transformation of transparency as a metaphor in West German political thought to an analogy for democratic architecture, this bookquestions the prevailing assumption in German architectural circles that transparency in governmental buildings can be equated with openness, accessibility and greater democracy.

The Transparent State traces the development of transparency in German political and architectural culture, tying this lineage to the relationship between culture and national identity, a connection that began before unification of the German state in the eighteenth century and continues today. The Weimar Republic and Third Reich periods are examined although the focus is on the postwar period, looking at the use of transparency in the three projects for a national parliament - the 1949 Bundestag project by Hans Schwippert, the 1992 Bundestag building by Gunter Behnisch and the 1999 Reichstag renovation by Norman Foster.

Transparency is an important issue in contemporary architectural practice; this book will appeal to both the practising architect and the architectural historian.

'Barnstone's aim is as ambitious as it is fascinating.' - Domus

'[Barnstone] offers a stimulating argument which will engage readers interested in the debates about both German history and architecture in the twentieth century.' The Art Book


'Barnstone's aim is as ambitious as it is fascinating.' - Domus

'[Barnstone] offers a stimulating argument which will engage readers interested in the debates about both German history and architecture in the twentieth century.' The Art Book

ISBN: 9780415700191

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 550g

292 pages