Die Spaltung und Zerschmetterung: Preserving Traces of History
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Abstract
How can a structure of war be transformed into a new architectural experience without detracting from the historic significance of the building? And how is this historic significance embedded in the architecture? This thesis will explore those ideas by adaptively reusing a historic German flak tower from World War II. While as much of the original structure will remain intact, new architecture will be added to the interior, as well as the exterior. Various architectural forms will be integrated into the flak tower by cutting into the concrete to create a unique architectural experience. This will be done in a manner that not only highlights the historical importance of the bunker, but also adds a new element to it. The design will be respectful of the complex histories that caused the creation of this massive bunker during the Second World War.