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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Looks like some kind of construction? On contrary, it is a demolition site. Here is a short story of Palast der Republik.
Construction
The Palast was constructed from 1973 to 1976 in the prevailing architectural style for East German buildings, using bronze mirrored windows. The grand opening ceremony was held on April 23, 1976, and the building was opened to the public two days afterwards on April 25, 1976. It was built on the site of the former Stadtschloss, Berlin (Berlin City Palace), which was damaged during World War II, but eventually demolished by the government authorities in 1950, as they regarded it a symbol of Prussian imperialism.
Once opened, the building was sometimes nicknamed "Ballast der Republik" ("Ballast of the Republic"), "Erichs Lampenladen" ("Erich's Lamp Shop", referring to the then incumbent Erich Honecker and the 1001 lamps hanging in the foyer), or "Palazzo Prozzo."
Asbestos contamination
Just prior to German reunification in October, 1990, the structure was found to be contaminated with asbestos, and was closed to the public on September 19, 1990 by decree of the Volkskammer. By 2003, all the asbestos had been removed along with internal and external fittings allowing safe deconstruction.
Demolition
Despite strong resentment from a major population of Germans, in November, 2003, the German parliament decided to demolish the building and leave the area as parkland until funding for the reconstruction of the Berlin City Palace could be found. Demolition started on February 6, 2006, and was scheduled to last about fifteen months at a cost of twelve million euros. The demolition lasted longer than the schedule to remedy hazards with neighbouring buildings. Dismantling of the structure was seriously delayed after more asbestos was discovered in various locations, and the estimated completion date was pushed back to the end of 2008.
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