Berlin, the capital of Germany, is located in the northeastern part of the country. With a population of approximately 3.8 million people, it is the largest city in Germany. Berlin is an artistic and cultural powerhouse, known for its growing social diversity, with significant communities of Turkish, Southeast Asian, Black, and Arab descent, among others. The official language of Germany is German (Deutsch), spoken by most of the population.
I arrived in Germany by plane and reached East Berlin using public transportation. The metro line seemed to be the popular choice for both visitors and residents. My first impressions of Berlin were after nightfall, the streets were quiet and empty with most stores closed except for a few fast food restaurants. The streets were well-lit with street lamps, and large buildings illuminated the busier roads, enhancing the sense of public safety.
The history of Berlin is one that is rich with cultural diversity, marked by significant political events, and shaped by its resilience through periods of division and reunification. The city leaves physical reminders in its urban fabric reflecting its turbulent history. German Institutions have commissioned impressive monuments, museums, and centers dedicated to the study of antisemitism and the Holocaust. For example, the Berlin Wall in the East Side Gallery, once a stark symbol of division and instability, now represents the city's profound journey toward unity and progress, standing as a testament to its remarkable transformation. Additionally, amidst the city's bustling streets, solemnly inscribed gold plaques are dedicated to victims of the Holocaust, telling, allowing their stories to persist throughout time, anchoring the past in the present with every step.
Germany has made great efforts to take responsibility and make conscious decisions to remind others of the importance of social cohesion and diversity. It's a lesson I deem essential, one from which nations, alongside designers, can learn and grow.
