The course of history left its mark on a divided city, but in time Berlin has regained its freedom and the buildings flanking The Wall can now be seen in a renewed, happier perspective. Such is the case of two interventions by Siza in one of the areas refurbished in line with the IBA: a kindergarten attached to an old building, and a center for senior citizens within the same block. The former has a basically triangular floor plan and its street-side facade is articulated in contrast to that of the preexisting building, using a decidedly modem language of smooth white sur­faces and clearly cut openings. Only a diagonal wall at the rear deviates from the preponderant orthogonality. The home for the aged has a freer perimeter and revolves around a single storey with a terraced roof, which with the help of awnings will allow the residents a bit of outdoor life during the few sunny days that Berlin’s climate allows. Both buildings glory in a simple and functional language, very much in line with the geometric rationality that was the norm in the residential architecture of Germany during the heroic years of the Modem Movement... [+]