We are talking about the location of the main power departments of the Nazi regime: the Gestapo, SS and SD, now destroyed to the ground. Topography of Terror dates back to the 1987 temporary exhibition on this site, which it was decided to turn into a permanent educational and exhibition complex. It should become one of the centers of pedagogical and scientific work on the problems of fascism. However, due to financial and technical problems, the project "Topography of Terror" by Peter Zumthor was canceled during the construction process, its parts, three staircase and elevator nodes, were demolished, the results of more than 10 years of movement towards the implementation of the complex were almost destroyed.
Now a new competition is starting. Taking into account the experience of the story with Zumthor, the organizers clearly indicated in his assignment that the architectural solution of the ensemble (archival and visitor center, some other buildings) should be restrained, functional, and remain within a reasonable budget.
New buildings should not divert attention from the Topography of Terror area itself, since it is he who is the main “exhibit” here. Also, the participants of the competition should remember that the complex is an educational and research center, the functions of the memorial remain secondary.
The prize fund is 100,000 euros.
