The area that for decades, and more specifically from the end of the Second World War up to 1990, has been a symbol of intolerance and oppression, has now been transformed into a monument to unity and brotherhood. What was previously the geographic frontier between two Germanys and the Berlin Wall is now an imposing building that is evocative of the reality of the German nation united under one single name – the Federal Republic of Germany.

The structure has a woman’s name: Marie-Elisabeth Lüders House, paying tribute to a deputy, and later on President, of the Bundestag, the federal parliament, Germany’s highest legislative organ. Now no longer part of the political scene and dedicated to offering her services to scientific organizations, she has been immortalized in this structure of concrete, crystal and light, meeting in perfect proportions.

Marie-Elisabeth Lüders House was designed by the Munich born architect Stephan Braunfels, who has also been responsible for the most recent additions to the skyline of Berlin’s cultural district. He delivered the original plans in May 1998 and construction started more than a year later, lasting until February 2002. Nevertheless, completion of the interior continued until December 2003.

It was well worth the wait! Once the building became known, it was clearly a ground breaking work, well proportioned, and quickly merited its place on Berlin’s tourist routes. The reason is obvious – nobody could walk past this great concrete building, which seems to have been inspired by basic geometric shapes, with indifference. One of its faces resembles a cube. Another forms a perfect circle. They all come together in unarguable harmony as a perfect complement to its neighbor: the Paul Löbe House, which houses the offices of the parliamentarians of the Bundestag. The Marie-Elisabeth house for its part accommodates the parliamentary library (the third largest of its type in the world) parking lots, a recreation area and more offices.

From the outside one of the most noticeable details of the Marie-Elisabeth Lüders House is the bridge which connects the two buildings. It is not placed here by accident. Stephan Braunfels placed it to symbolize the union of the two Germanys. The second most obvious aspect is the rotunda where the library is located, which satisfies both a functional and an architectural need, but which also has a historic foundation: some of the ruins of the old Berlin Wall. This first external view is closed by the extensive gardens, strategically located to complement the structure so as not to obstruct the view.

As the visitor enters through the doors, the building presents more pleasant surprises. This begins with the natural light that streams through the huge floor to ceiling windows that submit to artificial illumination by night, revealing all the interior details to the external sightseer.

Entering the structure from the north at ground level, you come across the Debating Chamber where the parliamentarians attend committees. This generously proportioned space is divided in three: the lobby, the chamber itself with 140 seats from which the deputies participate in debate and another with 128 seats for journalists and visitors.

On another level, at a height of 6.4 meters, you come across the central hall which gives on to a group of offices on each side. This also gives on to the grand staircase which leads to a balcony providing a comprehensive view of the hall.

Up to now we have characterized Marie-Elisabeth Lüders House as a masterpiece of contemporary design, but we should point out that it is also a fine example of environmentally responsible construction. This is thanks to thermal insulation and the use of renewable energy sources, which enable very low levels of emissions to be maintained. Visitors to the building can be sure of an interesting time, of historical importance as well as a new experience of architecture integrated into its surroundings. Marie-Elisabeth in figures

• Total area: 65,000 square meters.
• Number of offices: 630.
• Books in the library: 60,000.
• Area of reading room: 1,200 square meters.