As a symbol of German governments willingness to be one with its people and its new positive attitude toward transparent public representation, the Reichstag is a textbook example of Humanism. At first glance, one will notice the Reichstag’s large bulky stone construction, providing a sense of sturdiness and strength (Exhibit 1). Firstly, when walking through the interior of the Reichstag, one will also notice markings from the past written on the walls, showing human presence (Exhibit 2). These attributes give permanence to the building and add to its overall humanism.
Plain materials including stone, steel, and glass were used on the interior and exterior of the building. These materials provide for clean lines and smooth surfaces (Exhibit 3). Consequently, the building lacks any extravagant or delicate surfaces, making the Reichstag feel accessible and friendly. In addition, these simple lines and smooth surfaces make cleaning the building significantly easier. Without nooks and crannies all over the building, cleaning crews can use large commercial grade cleaning equipment to get the building clean quickly, saving time and money.
The overall layout of the building is straightforward and easy to navigate. With only one main corridor wrapping around the building in a square shape, visitors feel comfortable that they will not get lost in such a mammoth structure (Exhibit 4). One detractor from the humanism is the size of the building. In the hallways and the parliament chamber, a visitor may feel insignificant compared to their surroundings (Exhibit 5). At the same time, this makes the visitor feel like part of a larger community and one with something greater than just themselves.
Another building that employs humanism is the Gamble House in Pasadena, California. Although the Gamble House is visually much different than the Reichstag, they both employ strong elements of humanism (Exhibit 6). Firstly, the interior and exterior of the Gamble House is made from a local material readily available, redwood. Unlike the Reichstag’s use of material that makes the building feel modern and clean, the Gamble House feels cozy and humble (Exhibit 7). As a consequence of the redwood in the Gamble House, there is an aurora of stability and strength, the same feeling we get from the Reichstag use of bulky stone. Just as redwoods are known to live for hundreds or even thousands of years, this building has a pervasive feeling of permanence achieved through the power and grace of nature.
Although the Gamble family was very wealthy and powerful, similar to the institution of the German government, both structures do not have elaborate ornamenting. At the Gamble House, this serves to comfort its inhabitants and allow them to enjoy the simpler things in life, while at the Reichstag, this serves to show the government is at an equal level to the people.
The humanism employed in the Reichstag allows the visitor to feel important and not overpowered by their environment. The buildings simple and straightforward design does not distract inhabitants from the important meetings and discussion occurring inside. The German government has stripped away any sense of elitism and exclusiveness through the humanistic design of the Reichstag, bringing the government down to the level of the general public.
Exhibit 1: Thick stone exterior
Exhibit 2: Historical Markings
Exhibit 3: Hallway
Exhibit 4: Floor plan
Exhibit 5: Parliament Chamber
