It was the 1920s and in the Bauhaus school the students of Wassily Kandinsky's class were studying in small abstract structures the balance of materials, the combinations of colors and the contrasts. Today, seeing these studies at the Bauhaus Archiv (www.bauhaus.de) after a first, 'reconnoitring' walk in Berlin, someone can understand that the essence, the 'fate' and the charm of this city, which in any case loves to move on the two wheels of its thousand bicycles, is balance. Balance between the robust imperial architecture of the 19th century Reichstag's building (of the German parliament) and the spectacular, ultra modern glass dome added by Sir Norman Foster, turning it into the most frequently visited sight in the city.

Contrast between the worn-out brickwork of Tacheles (www.tacheles.de) a cluster of buildings in Eastern Berlin that, since 1990, has been housing a creative collectiva of artists from all over the world) and the variegation that it acquires by welcoming pioneer works - in - progress. Balance between the classic facade of the Altes Museum ('Old Museum' - www.smb.spk-berlin.de) and the provocative inscription from red neon that appears among its pillars and every night 'shouts' at the passers-by of the nearby bridge of the Spree river: "All art is contemporary".
In Berlin the artistic contrasts have immense power, capable of activating not only the eye, but also the mind. And the more you see, the more you look forward to seeing more. The balance of contrasts feeds a dynamic and invigorating love game. On the one hand, the city is colorful and on the other hand, it's suddenly covered in gray. On the one hand, it burdens you with old stories and, on the other hand, it rapidly opens a door to the future for you.

Just as it imprisons you in the intense corners, it offers you spectacular straight lines and openings. And, of course, just as you think that you have learned the city, it surprises you with an extremely stylish shop-window, a hidden yard with galleries and restaurants or even another 'concept store' that you have never imagined.
Of course, it would be naive of someone to think that the contrasts we are talking about start or are limited in architecture and the impressive way in which every form of art is placed among the daily routine of the city. It would be as if he/she ignored the history of the Wall, the split capital and the - even older - tragic distortion of its population composition by the nazistic regime. And, mostly, it would be as if he or she was leaving out its people. The people that create a new, charming Berlin, the people that co-travel with you on the tram and the metro, the tireless, carefree cyclists, the people that have breakfast on the opposite table even though it's 3 in the afternoon and those that, in order to cope with the winter's cold, walk on the street holding a plastic cup with hot coffee or a bottle of beer (!)

You will also find contrast in the way the Berliners are polite, avoiding at the same time a prolonged eye contact. In the way they truly smile, keeping - even the younger ones - an enviable 'cool' character. In the fact that they read newspapers, like the conservative 'Berliner Morgenpost', that retain their status and seriousness refusing to 'be enslaved' by the tabloid size, while at the same time they are a host to offers for electronics' department stores, which look huge in big pages.
You will find balance in the way the people's dress is interesting, without following any fashion. In that which, while e.g. for Parisians, is the art of elegance, here it is translated into 'technology', as it combines functionalism with the glorification of personal style, fit on the most diverse body types.

In Berlin, the city that gave birth to and raised the biggest historical dilemmas of the 20th century Europe you will let go and enjoy the charm of contrasts. Contrasts and the balance in between them will become your guides metaphorically but also literally. In order to orientate yourself, you will look at the horizon seeking the symbol of dominance of the former Eastern Germany, the towering Fernsehtum (a television tower - www.berlinerfernsehturm.de) with the distinctive conical glass dome or the building of DaimlerChrysler, in the full of vibration Potsdamer Platz.

Posted by Cassourel
Photos by Stelios