Light Tunnel
German Foreign Ministry, Berlin
Architect: Müller Reimann Architekten
1998-2003

A tunnel connects the old Reichsbank building that has been renovated as the German Foreign Ministry and its extension.  The central space of the tunnel is conceived as a void crossed by a floating path.  This simple architectural and narrative device is the means by which the two parts of the institution are simultaneously defined and united.
In the “bridge” space the materials and lighting are intended to de-materialize the tunnel.  Through the use of translucent surfaces on water-white glass with a reflective back surface, the diffused reflections imply infinite space beyond the walls.  The adjacent parts of the tunnel emphasize the mass of the two buildings above ground to reinforce this notion.
The walking surface of the “bridge” itself is dark to provide a strong visual contrast to the walking surfaces of the adjacent spaces, and the sound of footfalls is muffled and soft to further reinforce the impression of crossing a void.
Formally, this development of the boundary of the buildings is a further extension of ideas that are present in the facade of the the main space of the Ministry, which JCDA also designed. 
Symbolically, the bridge space could be read as a “limbo” between past and present, symbolizing the period of division in the country.  The implied space beyond the walls could also be read as representing alternatives to the path of the moment.

James Carpenter and Luke Lowings designed this project in collaboration with the architects while working for JCDA.