Reichstag, New German Parliament, Berlin (1999)
Norman Foster and Partners
Norman Foster's renovation of the Reichstag showed the world that green architecture could be a powerful symbol. Embracing the bones of the historic parliament building allowed for a recycling of both materials and ideals. The new glass dome brings daylight deep into the building, while opening up the government functions inside to public scrutiny. Technically, the building creates its own electricity using refined vegetable oil, and stores excess heat in a groundwater loop, while its iconic light reflector inside the dome also acts as a chimney, drawing warm air out of the building. The combined result is a 94% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and a great deal of pride on the part of the German people.
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