A brief approach to the history of Berlin's urban scheme

摘要

Located in an almost flat plain, the urban face of Berlin is not determined by an outstanding landscape, although the waters of the Spree and Havel give a certain quality to the city and its surroundings. The city began as one of many small trading spots at a river crossing. Its rise to a European metropolis was implemented by upgrading the town to the Prussian kings' residence 300 years ago. In the aftermath of the Thirty Years War, the "Great Elector" William Frederick introduced an invitingly open and religiously tolerant policy (Edict of Potsdam) to repopulate his land with people from all over Europe. From that turning point on, three keystones in Berlin's urban development history would lead to the city's unique appearance: the creation of Friedrichstadt, the metropolitan plan of Hobrecht and the rise and fall of Berlin Wall.