He was fascinated by Gothic, inspired by expressionism, but his most famous projects are classic examples of modernism. As an urban planner, he proposed dividing the city into zones according to their functions. He was impressed by American metropolises shooting into the sky, but he doubted the validity of copying this model on the European ground. In example of Breslau, he considered the construction of skyscrapers in the key points of the city, located as planned in its space, to be a reasonable compromise. In Wrocław, some buildings of his project survived the historical turmoil, e.g.: the North and South Water Power Plants in the vicinity of the Pomeranian Bridge, the Chapel in the Osobowice Cemetery, the municipal bath in 1 Maria Skłodowska-Curie Street (the student community may associate this building as the location of the Przekręt club) and the former Municipal Children’s Hospital in Hoene-Wroński Street.
The flagship work of Berg is, of course, the Centennial Hall. With this project he proved that – to paraphrase the titles of Wajda’s film dramas – he is “a man of concrete”. And please remember that when we say it, it is like the highest compliment.
