Architecture, politics, & identity in divided Berlin

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On August 13, 1961, East German authorities sealed the border between East and West Berlin with a barbed wire fence, marking the beginning of the Berlin Wall's twenty-eight-year existence as a significant physical and psychological divider during the Cold War. This division manifested starkly in various aspects of life, particularly in architecture and urban planning. Emily Pugh presents a comparative analysis of architectural works in East and West Berlin during the Wall era, highlighting their role in shaping political, cultural, and social identities. She explores how organizations like the Foundation for Prussian Cultural Heritage in West Germany and the East German Building Academy promoted their states' political narratives through constructed spaces. Pugh also examines architectural developments before the Wall and considers projects from the post-Wall period to illustrate the Cold War's lasting impact. By analyzing representations of architectural works in various media, she discusses the effectiveness of planners' efforts to influence public opinion. Themes of home, belonging, community, and nationalism emerged on both sides, crucial to constructing cultural and physical landscapes. This study offers a compelling look at a city caught between powerful political forces and the strategies employed to shape public sentiment through architecture.