Academy of Arts, Berlin, G
What is presumably the last example of the architecture of Günter Behnisch enthused audiences due to its abundance of light – and shortly after its completion showed weaknesses in its internal climate.
Few new buildings have caused so many disputes as Günter Behnisch's Academy of Arts. According to the critics, its glass facade is a break in the “stone” cityscape of Berlin and a “black hole”. However, inside Behnisch proves his master craftsmanship when it comes to handling the daylight: Six incomparable staircases and ramps lead up to the club room on the first floor. All that separates the members of the academy and their guests from the skies over Berlin is a glass roof printed with leaf patterns.
The five exhibition halls of the old Berlin Academy of 1904 have been integrated into the ground floor of the building. On the other hand, the complete superstructure is new. A few weeks after its opening, alarming news from the academy reached the public: The air in the exhibition rooms was too hot and damp and all exhibitions were cancelled until further notice. The experts are currently researching the reasons behind this climate collapse and for ways in which it can be corrected.
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