Archive: The Capital City of Berlin - Documentation

In spite of their necessity, security measures around the Chancellery and the Parliament are not particularly noticeable. They have not visually changed the design of the generous areas of open space surrounding the buildings. This area is accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists and is intensely used by both locals and visitors from around the world. During the summer they sit on the benches lining Paul-Löbe-Allee, on the steps leading down to the water and on the lighted stone blocks running through Ebertplatz. The walkways along each side of the Spree are used by people taking walks, joggers, and bicyclists. The banks of the river have become even more attractive since the new Hauptbahnhof has opened; the green banks of the river are full of life, and it's always difficult to find a vacant deck chair at the numerous cafes. The Government Quarter is thus a public space and can be used at any time - except for the few days each year when state visits occur.

At the beginning of this entire process no one thought the country's citizens would show so much interest in the new Parliamentary and Government Quarter. Due to the open design of the area those who are curious and interested have free access: across from the German Bundestag football is played, and sun-worshippers and exhausted visitors relax on the lawn. People have indeed taken posession of this new quarter.

The popularity the new Parliamentary Quarter is experiencing shows that there is no longer any question of Berlin being the nation's capital.