Ep 6. Hitler's Supercity

Hitler's Supercity is the sixth episode of the first season of the television series Lost Worlds. This episode takes the viewers to the heart of Germany where Nazi leader Adolf Hitler had a grand vision of building a supercity known as Germania. The episode explores the historical background of this ambitious plan and looks at what remains of the buildings, including the colossal grandstand and the Reich Chancellery, designed by Hitler's favorite architect, Albert Speer.

The episode begins with a brief history lesson about the Third Reich and the mesmerizing effect Hitler had over the German people. The narrator then goes on to describe how Hitler's fascination with architecture manifested itself in his grand plan to build Germania, a showcase of power and glory for the Nazi regime.

Viewers are taken on a tour of Berlin as it was in the 1930s, with streets lined with swastika flags and buildings adorned with Nazi symbols. They visit the imposing grandstand, the site of Hitler's famous speeches, which was designed to hold up to 150,000 people. The grandstand, which still stands today, was meant to be the centerpiece of Germania, a symbolic representation of the Nazi's might and power.

The viewers are then taken to what remains of the Reich Chancellery, a colossal building that housed the offices of the German government. Speer designed this building with a grandiose style, with sweeping marble staircases and grand halls. The episode explores the history of the building, including the bunker where Hitler spent his last days before his suicide.

The episode also features interviews with historians and architects who provide insights into the Nazi's vision of architecture and the role it played in promoting their ideology. They explain how Hitler and his architects wanted to create a new architectural style that would embody the values of the Nazi regime.

Apart from the grandstand and the Reich Chancellery, the episode also showcases other examples of Nazi architecture, including the Ministry of Aviation and the Olympic Stadium, which was constructed for the 1936 Olympics. The episode explores the symbolism behind each of these structures and how they fit into the grand plan of Germania.

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts from the architecture to the legacy of the Nazi regime and the impact it had on Germany as a nation. The episode features interviews with locals who witnessed the destruction of Berlin during World War II and the subsequent reconstruction that followed. They provide a unique perspective on the rebuilding efforts and the tension that existed between preserving the past and embracing the future.

Overall, Hitler's Supercity provides a fascinating look into the world of Nazi architecture and the grand plans of one of the world's most notorious leaders. The episode does an excellent job of exploring the historical background of the Third Reich and the role architecture played in promoting their ideology. Despite the dark subject matter, the episode does not shy away from the difficult questions and explores the nuances of the Nazi legacy with sensitivity and grace. It is an episode well worth watching for anyone interested in history and architecture alike.