Berlin: City Without Form: Strategies for a Different Architecture

Berlin has been shaped by the twentieth century's events in a process of "automatic urbanism," absorbing the forces of modernity, fascism, two world wars, Stalinism, socialism, the Cold War, revolt, capitalism, and more. This book reveals how these forces continue to produce unplanned structures and activities and urban phenomena beyond the categories of urban design and architecture, offering a more sensitive and responsible approach to city development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2021
Publisher: DOM Publishers

Berlin's unique urban fabric requires an understanding of its complex history, which has been shaped by a series of transformative events throughout the twentieth century. These events, ranging from modernity and fascism to two world wars, Stalinism, socialism, the Cold War, revolt, and capitalism, have left an indelible mark on the city's physical and cultural landscape.

In his book, "Berlin: The Modern City as a Global Phenomenon," Philipp Oswalt explores the ways in which these forces have shaped the city and its inhabitants. He argues that Berlin has absorbed and transformed these forces in a process of "automatic urbanism," creating a city that defies traditional categories of urban design and architecture.

One of the key themes of the book is the way in which unplanned structures and activities have emerged as a result of the collision of ideological, political, economic, and military forces. Oswalt demonstrates how these forces have produced phenomena such as conglomeration, collision of borders, destruction, void, mass, metabolism, and simulation, which are often overlooked in traditional urban planning.

The book also offers a critical analysis of modernist master-planning and national building traditions, which are often seen as a myth. Oswalt argues that these traditions are based on a narrow understanding of the city and its inhabitants and that they fail to take into account the unintended side-effects of political, economic, and technological processes.

Instead, Oswalt proposes a more socially and ecologically sensitive approach to urban development, one that recognizes the inherent complexity and diversity of cities. He advocates for a more responsible approach to city planning that takes into account the needs and aspirations of local communities and the environment.

The English edition of "Berlin: The Modern City as a Global Phenomenon" is particularly timely, as cities around the world are facing a series of challenges that require innovative and sustainable solutions. The book offers a valuable perspective on how cities can develop in a way that is both socially and ecologically responsible, and that recognizes the inherent potential of cities to shape their own destiny.

In conclusion, "Berlin: The Modern City as a Global Phenomenon" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a new perspective on the city and its history. It challenges traditional notions of urban planning and architecture and proposes a more responsible and sustainable approach to urban development. The English edition of the book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex and dynamic nature of cities.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 213 x 232 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783869222745