Definition und Transformation von Erbe im Rahmen der Wiederaufbauplanung. Ein Blick auf Leipzig und Nürnberg

Abstract

The destruction caused by the war led to a negotiation not only of forms and strategies for reconstruction but also of built heritage itself. The buildings that remained were documented, assessed, and decisions made as to whether they should be kept or abandoned. Understanding this multi-layered process, which was influenced by numerous factors, is made possible by the analysis of historical city maps. Estimating the level of damage was only one aspect of decision making; another key factor was determining whether buildings and other urban structures were worth preserving. The case of Nuremberg makes it particularly clear that reconstruction is a phase of heritage making. By means of comparative cartographic analysis and the linking of these sources and written documents of reconstruction, this article shows how negotiations of heritage were carried out in the years around 1945, what was even defined as heritage in the first place, and how it was intended to preserve the “character of the city”. The maps recorded this heritage and served as a key basis for the planning of reconstruction. Additional means used to document this heritage included the creation of lists of buildings worth preserving. Exceptional specific monuments and urban assemblages, the edges of squares and prominent streets served as “anchors” for the rebuilding of Nuremberg. These were to be preserved as far as possible, enabling the fusion of the old and the new. Beyond the defining buildings, “free reconstruction” was permitted, including plans to reduce urban density. Not only the historical buildings but also new structures assumed a vital function in the negotiation of heritage, as their role was to “translate” into architecture the “characteristic” features of the city. Looking beyond Nuremberg to the city of Leipzig provides further insights here. Our findings show that the phase before actual reconstruction remains under-researched for many cities. In this early phase of reconstruction planning, the heritage of the city underwent a decisive process, the consequences of which go beyond the transformation of the built environment. The article shows just how significant the maps are – when combined with written sources – for understanding reconstruction, and what they tell us about a heritage making process whose effects can still be felt.