Description
Book SynopsisExamining 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.
Trade Review'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
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Introduction 1. Transparency Ideology 2. Transparency in German Architecture before and after the War 3. The Quest for an Open Society 4. Looking in the Mirror: Transparency after 1989 5. A Metaphor for the New Germany 6. House of Openness, Architecture of Encounter 7. Coming to Terms with the Past: Transparency in Norman Foster's Reichstag 8. Why Transparency? Appendix 1: Biography of Hans Schwippert Appendix 2: Biography of Günter Behnisch Appendix 3: Biography of Sir Norman Foster Appendix 4: Glück und Glas, Hans Schwippert Bibliography
