More than just glass: what a futuristic dome in Berlin teaches us about sustainable design

Have you ever looked at an old historic building and wondered how it could save our planet? Thinking about sustainable design, the first things that come to mind might be green skyscrapers. Yet the Reichstag building, one of the most famous historic landmarks in Berlin, carries a different message. Reconstructed with a massive glass and steel dome, the building combines both history and a green approach. For young creators and individuals passionate about ecology and architecture, this building is one of the greatest demonstrations of how we need not tear things up, but rather reimagine what is already there. 

Looking at the exterior, you can see a breathtaking dome sitting on the top of the historic 19^th century stone walls. The dome is supported by a minimalist steel frame of 24 vertical ribs connected by a strong horizontal grid. Stepping inside you will notice steel walkways twisted in a spiral around the centre, which work as a DNA strand. This approach is not only eye-catching but also very comfortable for visitors. While the first group of people is rising to the observation desk, the second group of people is coming down. This prevents people from bumping into each other. After immersing ourselves in the beauty of this building, it is time to talk about its ecological impact.

Right in the centre of the dome, a gigantic, inverted conical structure is suspended, covered with 360 separate minor panels. The cone is named the “light sculptor” and helps to reduce the use of artificial light. Horizontal sunlight penetrates through the dome glass, after which it hits the mirror of the cone and is directed downwards at an angle, straight into the parliament’s assembly hall below the dome. As a result, 80% of the lightning in the building is natural. To prevent sunlight from blinding people and overheating the interior, there is a ‘Sun Shield’. Spinning around, this shield tracks the motion of the Sun in the sky and gently blocks the direct blinding rays, passing only small, scattered light. But that is not all. The dome also acts as a natural ventilation system. All the hot and exhausted air from the lower halls rises naturally to the dome. 

The Reichstag dome shows that the best designs are these which are mutually beneficial for people and our planet. The Reichstag demonstrates that old buildings can still play a crucial role in creating a greener future. From my point of view, this idea is especially important nowadays, when numerous historic buildings are being renovated around the World. Whether you are designing a small local community project or dreaming of building the eco cities of tomorrow, remember that even the heaviest stone structures can be opened to the light.

Sources: 

https://www.bundestag.de/besuche/architektur/reichstag/kuppel

https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/reichstag-new-german-parliament

https://www.fosterandpartners.com/news/10-facts-about-the-reichstag