The Reichstag by Norman Foster: Research

 In this piece of research, I intend to explore the transformation of The Reichstag by Norman Foster.  I am writing about the is as it will inform my own architectural design which is a transformation of The Palais de Dance in Leicester.

The Reichstag Transformation (2015) By Norman Foster

Norman Foster states of the Reichstag architectural design;  “Our transformation of the Reichstag is rooted in four related issues: the Bundestag’s significance as a democratic forum, an understanding of history, a commitment to public accessibility and a vigorous environmental agenda.” (Douglass-Jaimes 2018).  I have chosen the transformation of the Reichstag as my own building design is also a transformation and has a history in Leicester and as Foster in his design, I want this to be publicly accessible and to have excellent sustainable credentials. 

The Palais de Dance (2024) Leicester

Foster in his redesign chose to leave the outer shell of building untouched and wanted the weight of history that was etched into its walls still be seen and felt by this coming into imposing structure. Foster had many obstacles when designing this precious monument and had to work with the German parliament to ensure that there was an agreement on how the redesign would work so every part of the transformation had to be agreed right down to final colour scheme of the interior, Arch Daily states; 'Although he initially refused to consider adding a dome, a separate proposal from a German architect to add a reconstruction of the historic dome threatened Foster's vision for the building's interior spaces, and he began exploring ideas for what he came to call the “cupola.” And it was not just the dome that was subject to the whims of the politicians. Then-Chancellor Helmut Kohl insisted on a brighter color scheme for the interiors than the neutral palette of whites and greys that Foster had originally proposed' (Douglass-Jaimes 2018).  In my own redesign of the Palais de Dance I will need to check the building's status as it is probably now listed which will mean I will need to retain many of the original features just as Foster needed to do in The Reichstag. 

The redesign of the Reichstag involved the construction of a dome that illuminated the space and dominated the transformation.  The construction of the dome or cupola became a symbol of renewal  and Foster and Partners states; 'The cupola is now an established Berlin landmark. Symbolic of rebirth, it also drives the building’s natural lighting and ventilation strategies. At its core is a ‘light sculptor’ that reflects horizon light down into the chamber, while a sun-shield tracks the path of the sun to block solar gain and glare.' (Foster & Partners:2024)  This was also intended to be a highly sustainable design so the electricity is powered through using bio-fuel which is refined vegetable oil which would reduce the carbon footprint by 94% (Foster and Partners: 2024).  Also, the building actually produces more power than it uses and therefore it is also a mini power station.  The dome construction was built by Austrian steel and glass specialist Waagner Biro.  They created a technically complex design that; 'consists of 24 major steel ribs, which are supported on a lower ring beam and tapered to an upper ring beam. The horizontal bracing is secured using 17 steel rings. They are an essential part of the design: they also bear the scale-like 3,000m2 of glazing, constructed from 24 panes of glass per row, and the observation deck. This observation deck is accessible over two interlocked, co-rotating spiral ramps made from spatially shaped steel plates.' (Waagner Biro: 2024)  There are also rows of mirrors and a computer-controlled shading element made of aluminum panels which means that the sunlight entering the building is controlled. 

Foster & Partners, The Reichstag Transformation

Dome structures are complex and expensive and when looking at the Palais de Dance a dome actually would be an addition to this building that would once again make this a real landmark in Leicester City Centre and attract a new clientelle.  This would certainly not be on the scale of  The Reichstag but a steel and glass dome with mirrors and shading on a much smaller scale would certainly be a possibility in my own redesign. 

The Palais de Danse on Humberstone Gate, Leicester circa 1950-60s

The nightclub now is in a dilapidated state inside and its last owner Soshi ripped out much of the interiors.  Therefore, it would be better to begin again and completely strip the interior retaining any original features remaining, and then it would need a consultation on the exterior over features that need to be retained and restored back to it's former glory.  

Interior The Palais de dance (2014) 

This could be a very exciting project, I have been able, as yet to obtain, the site/floor plan however this would be my next step to begin my own transformation for this architectural project.

References

Douglass-Jaimes, David. “AD Classics: New German Parliament, Reichstag / Foster + Partners.” ArchDaily, 25 Oct. 2018, www.archdaily.com/775601/ad-classics-new-german-parliament-reichstag-foster-plus-partners. Accessed 26 Jan. 2024.

Foster and Partners (2024). Foster + Partners. [online] Available at: https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/reichstag-new-german-parliament [Accessed 31 Jan. 2024].

Waagner Biro (2024). Reichstag Dome. [online] Waagner Biro steel and glass. Available at: https://www.wb-sg.com/projects/reichstagdome/ [Accessed 31 Jan. 2024].

Goldie87 (2014). Report - - Palais de Danse (Sosho), Leicester - May 2014 | Leisure Sites. [online] 28DaysLater.co.uk. Available at: https://www.28dayslater.co.uk/threads/palais-de-danse-sosho-leicester-may-2014.90144/ [Accessed 31 Jan. 2024].