The Schwerbelastungskörper And Hitler’s Grand Plans For Berlin
Architecture berlin grand plansOn the corner of Dudenstrasse and General-Pape-Strasse in Berlin, between the S-Bahn tracks and a housing estate, stands a massive cylindrical block of concrete. Inside the structure are a few rooms with pieces of old, rusting equipment lying around. Built in 1941-42 during the Nazi period, it isn’t a terribly exciting landmark but a historic one nonetheless, because it was part of a much grander plan that Hitler had in store for Berlin.
After a victorious Second World War, which Hitler was pretty confident of, the Fuher planned to redesign Berlin as the new German World Capital or Welthauptstadt Germania— a megalomania metropolis with gargantuan structures that would reflect the spirit of the Third Reich and create fear in the hearts of his enemies as well as his subjects. Hitler appointed architect Albert Speer to oversee the project and together they drew up a fantastic plan for the city’s rebuilding.
A model of Welthauptstadt Germania. Photo credit: unknown/public domain
After a victorious Second World War, which Hitler was pretty confident of, the Fuher planned to redesign Berlin as the new German World Capital or Welthauptstadt Germania— a megalomania metropolis with gargantuan structures that would reflect the spirit of the Third Reich and create fear in the hearts of his enemies as well as his subjects. Hitler appointed architect Albert Speer to oversee the project and together they drew up a fantastic plan for the city’s rebuilding.
A model of Welthauptstadt Germania. Photo credit: unknown/public domain
