Neubauer, Christoph: Die Reichskanzlei. Architektur der Macht. 1733-1875. Volume 1

Between 1878 and 1945, the Reich Chancelleryserving as the seat of Germanys Reich Chancellorsearned its place in world history. Originally built as a Baroque aristocratic mansion, the Chancellery underwent constant remodeling and expansion at the hands of its ever-changing occupants. It was here that decisions shaping the history of Europe and the German people were made. The buildings architecture consistently provided its masters with a deliberately designed stage for their public presence. Over the course of the buildings 208-year history, architects such as Konrad Wiesend, Karl Friedrich Schinkel, Wilhelm Neumann, Eduard Jobst Siedler, Paul Ludwig Troost, Leonhard Gall, and Albert Speer created architectural milestones through their new construction, remodeling, and expansion projects at this significant historical site. Drawing on historical plans, photographs, and detailed architectural analyses, this volume describes the planning, creation, and original architectural state of the mansion at Wilhelmstraße 77. It discusses various design proposals and the circumstances surrounding the mansion's construction, while also outlining the architectural principles upon which it was built. The volume provides a detailed architectural description of the original state of the Palais Schulenburg and the minor alterations made following the owner's death. Furthermore, it describes the major redesigns commissioned by Prince Radziwill and executed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, as well as the subsequent expansions carried out by the heirs of Prince Anton Radziwill.