Although Berlin celebrated its 750th anniversary in 1987, it has remained a relatively young city. This is partly due to the extensive destruction during the World War II and partly due to the rather rough treatment accorded to historic buildings after the war. Since the 19th century Berlin has been a city of competitions. There is a competetion for the design of the area where the River Spree makes a loop for a new government quarter for the new capital of Germany. This volume presents a photographic essay chronicling the dramatic changes that the city has undergone. Historic perspective is given in a comprehensive essay and the mood of the city is conjured by poetry. Highlights from the symposium, Berlin: City of Competitions, held at the Royal Academy of Arts in March 1994 are also included. As in the other titles in the series, this book has chapters on Berlin As It Might Have Been, Contemporary Berlin, and Future Berlin. The book features international architects such as Zaha Hadid, Peter Eisenman, Aldo Rossi, OMA, Jean Nouvel, OM Ungers, and Renzo Piano and includes built projects and building schemes.