Nouripour Complains About Smell in Bundestag - Berlin’s Bundestag buildings crumble due to decades of flawed construction choices
The German Bundestag’s buildings in Berlin are facing serious structural problems due to flawed construction choices. Key issues include the horizontal installation of SML pipes, which has led to rapid corrosion and foul odours. Critics argue that aesthetics took priority over durability during the original renovation.
The Reichstag building and Jakob Kaiser House now suffer from persistent stench caused by damaged wastewater pipes. These SML pipes were installed horizontally, a design flaw that accelerates corrosion and allows wastewater to accumulate. Over time, sulfuric acid forms inside the pipes, worsening the damage and spreading unpleasant smells.
Bundestag Vice President Omid Nouripour called the horizontal pipe installation 'not particularly clever,' noting that any expert would recognise it as a mistake. The decision was made by the project planners and engineers responsible for the Reichstag’s technical infrastructure—not by the Bundestag members themselves. While other problems, such as roof leaks, have been temporarily fixed, the underlying construction errors may undermine these repairs. The Bundestag now faces a massive renovation challenge, with two-thirds of its buildings requiring refurbishment over the next two decades. The institution has been based in Berlin since 1999, but poor planning choices are now forcing costly corrections.
The flawed pipe installation and other structural weaknesses will demand extensive repairs in the coming years. The Bundestag must address these issues to prevent further deterioration and ensure the buildings remain functional. Without proper fixes, the problems will likely persist and worsen over time.
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