Germany

For 28 years, Germany has been united – exactly as long as the Berlin Wall existed (1961–1989). This symmetrical moment in history presents an opportunity to reflect on developments in the former border space since the fall of the Wall. With reference to the theme FREESPACE, Unbuilding Walls focuses on outstanding examples of urban and architectural design that address aspects of division and integration. By analysing architectural projects on the former border strip, Unbuilding Walls examines the question of what happened on this unprecedented void in the middle of a new capital. The heterogeneity of the multitude of approaches, typologies, protagonists, and results show the breadth of architectural debates and solutions. Taking the experience of the inner-German border as a starting point, the exhibition also examines current barriers, fences and walls beyond Germany’s specific national perspective. A journalist team travelled to border walls around the world for the video installation Wall of Opinions, where people living with walls today had a chance to speak about their situation.