Gezicht op de Deutsche Unionsbank aan de Behrenstrasse 9 en 10 in Berlijn, Duitsland before 1877

Editor: Here we have a print of the Deutsche Unionsbank at Behrenstrasse 9 and 10 in Berlin, taken before 1877, and held at the Rijksmuseum. It's attributed to an Anonymous photographer. The composition is very orderly and balanced; what stands out to you? Curator: What I see here is not just a building, but a statement about stability and aspiration, wouldn't you agree? The neoclassical elements speak of grandeur and permanence, almost like a temple of finance. Imagine walking past it in its heyday; do you think you’d feel secure entrusting your life savings to the Deutsche Unionsbank? Editor: Absolutely! The imposing facade definitely exudes trustworthiness. So, this architectural style would signal the bank's reliability to potential clients? Curator: Precisely. Neoclassicism was all about order, reason, and a connection to the perceived glory of the ancient world. Banks and other institutions adopted it to project an image of solidity and trustworthiness during a time of rapid economic change. Notice how the light plays on the façade - stark but elegant, almost poetic, yet clearly persuasive in its intent! And those arches! They seem to whisper "security," don't they? Editor: That makes perfect sense! I guess I never considered the building itself as part of their marketing strategy. I will definitely see such buildings in a new light. Curator: Architecture speaks! I mean, doesn't it offer more 'bricks' than 'clicks'? Consider it: Every element, from the imposing columns to the calculated placement of each window, worked to instill a particular feeling. Editor: Thanks; that helps to connect architectural expression to communication; I now perceive buildings as much more expressive.