VIDEO: Germany - Like a Fairytale (medieval cities, castles and landscapes)

[ficuscarica]

PART 1
lFxbgwoumKQ

PART 2
tvF-9KQjYKc


Enjoy this excellent compilation of pictures!

[Breedingvariety]

The most quintessential German city seems to be Nurnberg. Isn't it?

[ficuscarica]

Part 2: tvF-9KQjYKc

[Graus]

The most quintessential German city seems to be Nurnberg. Isn't it?

Bavaria is about as representative for Germany as is Texas for the United states. But then it really depends on your overall opinions on Germans, if you consider them to be the embodiment of being annoying and full of themselves, Bavarians would be the quintessential Germans indeed.

Nürnberg is pretty special in a lot of ways, there is no such thing as a quintessential German city, the German states developed too different for such a thing to exist.

[The Lawspeaker]

Carry on, meine Herren.

mCRCZSScwyk
(shows more than castles etc. but it really gives you a nice view on the typical mediaeval towns from which Germany has so many and other than touristy pictures does it show the continuity of life between the Middle Ages and the 1950s).

http://www.toeurope.eu/design/photos/rothenburg-tauber.jpg
http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj357/peter-2009/2009-08-3132-1.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/5078982458_ea9659491e.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/Freiburg_Rathaus.jpg

[ficuscarica]

I am not going to talk about the political aspects of WWII, but I am going to say this: It is a great shame that so much of Germany´s unique, medieval architecture was destroyed between 1943 and 1945. Those who did the bombing - as much as I can understand it from their perspective - cut themselves in the flesh by destroying this great cultural heritage forever.

[The Lawspeaker]

Bavaria is about as representative for Germany as is Texas for the United states. But then it really depends on your overall opinions on Germans, if you consider them to be the embodiment of being annoying and full of themselves, Bavarians would be the quintessential Germans indeed.

Nürnberg is pretty special in a lot of ways, there is no such thing as a quintessential German city, the German states developed too different for such a thing to exist.
True. Like in the Netherlands (although we now have to deal with this made up 19th century Orangist national identity) there is no real set German identity because the two were always decentralised with the main political battles being about religion and local autonomy. There are local identities but that's about it. A Brabantian and a Frisian are as much alike as the Bavarian and someone from Sylt.

If it wasn't for standard-German or standard-Dutch they wouldn't even speak the same language (the Frisians Frisian and the Brabantian would speak a Brabantic dialect of Dutch that takes some time to learn for an outside. Much less Limburgic <--- it took me some time to learn to understand it).

[Contra Mundum]

Many in the US and UK feel shame about the bombing of cities like Dresden. No one can justify it. It was a horrible war crime.

[sturmwalkure]

I am not going to talk about the political aspects of WWII, but I am going to say this: It is a great shame that so much of Germany´s unique, medieval architecture was destroyed between 1943 and 1945. Those who did the bombing - as much as I can understand it from their perspective - cut themselves in the flesh by destroying this great cultural heritage forever.

I will refrain from discussing the politics aspects as well. It was a great shame indeed. Dresden was once called "the Venice of the North", and I think some fifty or so German cities were destroyed forever and they were not even military targets. I can only think it was an act of deliberate hatred to destroy so much cultural legacy for eternity. :( I wish I had the list with me...

[The Lawspeaker]

----
Please take that whining somewhere else. It's not like they were the only ones that got their entire heritage destroyed. "Sighs". We are not going to talk about the war here. We are going to talk mediaeval Germany, castles, cities, art etc.

Right. A name comes to mind when we are going back on topic. Riemenschneider:

http://www.bayarea.net/~kins/AboutMe/GIFs_Germany/Riemenschneider_LastSupper.jpg

http://www.punctum.com/kirche/konfi/art/hblut.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Rothenburg_BW_16.JPG

And since I showed you some Riemenschneider:

VUrSpTIA0yw

[jerney]

I don't know exact statistics or anything, but I always feel countries like France and Italy get the reputation for being the most beautiful and most desirable places to visit in Europe. I may be biased, but Germany surpasses most countries when it comes to beauty alone.. other places just don't compare for me. Then again, I suppose it depends on which aesthetic you find the most appealing and attractive.

[The Lawspeaker]

I don't know exact statistics or anything, but I always feel countries like France and Italy get the reputation for being the most beautiful and most desirable places to visit in Europe. I may be biased, but Germany surpasses most countries when it comes to beauty alone.. other places just don't compare for me. Then again, I suppose it depends on which aesthetic you find the most appealing and attractive.

It's probably because of a very effective marketing campaign combined with the climate. Let's face it: France and Italy have a better climate but when it comes to architecture I would say that the German lands and the Low Countries surpass them.

[The Lawspeaker]

Würzburg:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/Dom_R1.jpg

http://img.pte.at/photo_db/hi_res/hires29999.jpg


Bamberg:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/Bamberg-Schlenkerla1-Asio.JPG

http://images32.fotki.com/v1045/photos/9/994443/5617525/AltesRathausprofileBamberg-vi.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Bamberg-AlteHofhaltung2-Asio.JPG

http://www.wagneropera.net/Images/BayreuthPix/BambergWoodenFramedHouse545.jpg

[ficuscarica]

As other have mentioned before, the reputation of different countries´ architecture is not necessarily based on the real situation, but also on other aspects that come into play, such as marketing and climate. Furthermore I think that Italy and France lost less of their architecture than Germany did during WW II. Another important thing that has to be taken into consideration is the economic growth that Germany or the Lowlands have experienced. What is now considered beautiful architecture in Italy or France was often considered as old, backwards buildings in Germany during the last decades. Many old buildings were destroyed, and many new, "modern" ones were build. The beautiful architecture is often rather hidden in small quarters that are surrounded by much more "modern" architecture.

There are more interesting aspects, such as money and the ability to travel. The mediterranean hype began with the economic boom in the north. While Germans and their northern neighbours had the money to travel the southernes came to the north only to survive economically. The mediterranean countries focussed on tourism and making their countries attractive, while the northern countries focussed on building industrial areas for the economical growth.

If you take all those circumstances away and simply look at the old architecture I would agree with those who prefer the old German architecture over much of the mediterranean architecture. On the other hand I would have to admit that France is a worthy opponent in an architectonical contest.

[Contra Mundum]

dj7_fKK-7lw

[PeacefulCaribbeanDutch]

http://i552.photobucket.com/albums/jj357/peter-2009/2009-08-3132-1.jpg

I wish i could live in one of those little houses by the water, so cool.

[ficuscarica]

I just made a walk through a nearby village with many old houses. They are ridiculously beautiful. Sorry mediterranean architecture, but you loose. Wait and see - gonna upload them now.

[Stefan]

From what I've seen, Germany - and its peripheral countries - are the most beautiful countries in Europe, in my opinion. I can wholly understand why you're such a proud people, particularly in regards to your land. Hopefully it stays that way!

[ficuscarica]

Here we go :)...
Unfortunately some pics have a bad quality, because I had to take them against the low, setting sun.
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3360z4pzn.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3360z4pzn.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3359c6off.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3359c6off.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3355z2okt.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3355z2okt.jpg)

It is an aesthetic crime to build modern "architecture" next to this.

[ficuscarica]

Eye orgasm...
How could they build that stuff? Tuan, what kind of weeds did the Dutch sell to the Germans between the 15th and 19th century?

http://www.abload.de/img/img_3325b4ory.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3325b4ory.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3327j3ocn.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3327j3ocn.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3329popze.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3329popze.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3328njopk.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3328njopk.jpg)

[The Lawspeaker]

Who needs Greece, France and Italy now, eh ?

[The Lawspeaker]

Eye orgasm...
How could they build that stuff? Tuan, what kind of weeds did the Dutch sell to the Germans between the 15th and 19th century?

http://www.abload.de/img/img_3325b4ory.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3325b4ory.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3327j3ocn.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3327j3ocn.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3329popze.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3329popze.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3328njopk.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3328njopk.jpg)
I am not sure.. but it must have been damn good stuff ! :thumb001:

[ficuscarica]

I am not sure.. but it must have been damn good stuff ! :thumb001:

Hold on, there´s more to come. :D I just can´t believe that this is all from one single village, not even a city.

[ficuscarica]

http://www.abload.de/img/img_3312exp00.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3312exp00.jpg)

old city tower:
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3308upq1y.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3308upq1y.jpg)

village council:
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3301u3r92.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3301u3r92.jpg)

old house for forest/wood questions:
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3307wsqcj.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3307wsqcj.jpg)

http://www.abload.de/img/img_3302g6qil.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3302g6qil.jpg)

[Stefan]

How common is architecture like this in Germany?

http://historicyork.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/pict0184-edit-low.jpg?w=500&h=375

[ficuscarica]

Stefan, that´s a quite common style.

[ficuscarica]

http://www.abload.de/img/img_3277azp19.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3277azp19.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3283zkpr2.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3283zkpr2.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_337608q6h.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_337608q6h.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3274d8rhd.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3274d8rhd.jpg)

[ficuscarica]

http://www.abload.de/img/img_3251tirop.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3251tirop.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3266jxpoq.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3266jxpoq.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_325729ra4.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_325729ra4.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_32591zqkf.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_32591zqkf.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3252tqr95.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3252tqr95.jpg)

[ficuscarica]

Old bath house. Until probably 200 years ago people went there to wash.

http://www.abload.de/img/img_3384xqr2u.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3384xqr2u.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3386gbosq.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3386gbosq.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3398w1r7l.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3398w1r7l.jpg)

typical old roof of another house
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3409skrad.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3409skrad.jpg)

[ficuscarica]

Notice the sky... the wheather forecast was rain and 22/23 degrees. Epic fail.

[Stefan]

What are some regional distinctions of German architecture? I'd imagine there'd be a North vs. South differentiation and possibly a West vs. East one as well.

[jerney]

Who needs Greece, France and Italy now, eh ?

:rolleyes:

They all have comparable beauty at the very least, but my point was that Germany's beauty often doesn't get the credit that it deserves because it may not be the preferred aesthetic. It's not a pissing contest, however.

[The Lawspeaker]

What are some regional distinctions of German architecture? I'd imagine there'd be a North vs. South differentiation and possibly a West vs. East one as well.

I am not sure but I think that there was brick (and gothic) up north vs halm-timbering down south.

Like here in Lüneburg:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/76/Skillshare%2C_Alter_Hafen_L%C3%BCneburg.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/41/Stint.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/26/L%C3%BCneburg-amsande06.jpg

Southern architecture seems to have a "lighter" feel to it. Oddly enough Northern German architecture reminds of of the Netherlands.

[ficuscarica]

Stefan, I think South-West Germany has many stone buildings and timber-framed buildings or a combination of both styles, while North Germany has many brick buildings. Of course there are more difficile differences, depending on the material that was available. I will maybe look for more pics later.

[ficuscarica]

More from the village I walked through today.
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3288v8p59.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3288v8p59.jpg)
stairway to heaven... well, at least to the church:
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3294rvqce.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3294rvqce.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_32932vquu.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_32932vquu.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_328761phv.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_328761phv.jpg)

[The Lawspeaker]

But then again.. let's compare it to the most southern part of Limburg province here:

http://www.eropuit.nl/images/625x467/binnenstad_maastricht.jpg

http://imagene.youropi.com/rechtstraat-winkelstraten-maastricht-1(p:location,375)(c:0).jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0f/Dinghuis.jpg/400px-Dinghuis.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9a/Spaans_Gouvernement_Maastricht.JPG/800px-Spaans_Gouvernement_Maastricht.JPG

http://imagene.youropi.com/vrijthof-maastricht-1(p:location,359)(c:0).jpg

Not too different from Aken or Liege.

It gets even more interesting when you're on the countryside:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/li/thumb/e/e1/Hellevakwerkwkped06.JPG/800px-Hellevakwerkwkped06.JPG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c5/TerstratenNuthwkped07.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/Eys-Piepert.JPG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8f/Melleschet_Vaals.jpg/800px-Melleschet_Vaals.jpg

[ficuscarica]

Tuan, I agree on the similarities between the Dutch and German architecture. Probably you wouldn´t always be able to tell where you are without signs and people, just judging by the architecture.

[The Lawspeaker]

Tuan, I agree on the similarities between the Dutch and German architecture. Probably you wouldn´t always be able to tell where you are without signs and people, just judging by the architecture.

It really depends on where you are. Like in Germany there is a lot of regional variety. Architecture in Frisia or Holland is completely different. Hell.. the other side of Limburg is nothing like that.

[ficuscarica]

More sick stuff from today... It is unbelievable how awful most modern buildings look compared to that. What is wrong with modern architects?

The tower again...
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3316akq2k.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3316akq2k.jpg)

old house next to the tower wall
http://www.abload.de/img/img_331712qgp.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_331712qgp.jpg)

market place
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3318l0rvz.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3318l0rvz.jpg)


http://www.abload.de/img/img_3319eepxg.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3319eepxg.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_332007rxy.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_332007rxy.jpg)

[The Lawspeaker]

I think that the main problem with modern architecture is that it needs a lot of maintenance in order to look fresh (concrete and glass.. what do you expect, eh ?) and the finishing touch is never there: no flowerbeds, hanging baskets. Nothing that shows it the slightest bit of love. If you would look at pictures taken during the 1950s, 1960s when those buildings were new they were very well maintained and they wouldn't been such an eyesore when standing next to the mediaeval homes. And what is also important is the design of the street furniture and the maintenance of the pavement.

Lg34CNogeao

I think that this video of The Hague (shot in 1970) shows it nicely. What I also notice is that a lot of modern buildings are rather simplistic in design and have big windows: flower baskets and shutters would make all the difference.

[ficuscarica]

I think that the main problem with modern architecture is that it needs a lot of maintenance in order to look fresh (concrete and glass.. what do you expect, eh ?) and the finishing touch is never there: no flowerbeds, hanging baskets. Nothing that shows it the slightest bit of love.

Good points. I remember reading on an architect´s website, that modern architecture becomes uglier with each year, because it doesn´t have the ability to "age" - obviously this isn´t true for old buildings, which often become more beautiful as the centuries pass by.

Then you mention a lack of love. I would like to add, that I hear from people that build or buy houses, that the modern houses are cheaper and loose less warmth in winter. Money, money, money - that´s what people mostly seem to care about with their houses.
It is ok to look after your money, but back then people surely were not richer, yet they put much more love (and money/work) into their houses. People nowadays build ugly homes to save money, which they then use to escape the ugly place they create for 2 weeks during their holidays. That´s sick. I guess this is one effect of globalism. People loose the connection to their home and therefore the passion for it... modern city/village planning is all about money and effectiveness, makes me want to vomit. Effectiveness for what? To live in a self-made sh!thole just to effort 2 weeks in an all-inclusive concrete hotel? :picard1:

[The Lawspeaker]

Good points. I remember reading on an architect´s website, that modern architecture becomes uglier with each year, because it doesn´t have the ability to "age" - obviously this isn´t true for old buildings, which often become more beautiful as the centuries pass by.

Then you mention a lack of love. I would like to add, that I hear from people that build or buy houses, that the modern houses are cheaper and loose less warmth in winter. Money, money, money - that´s what people mostly seem to care about with their houses.
It is ok to look after your money, but back then people surely were not richer, yet they put much more love (and money/work) into their houses. People nowadays build ugly homes to save money, which they then use to escape the ugly place they create for 2 weeks during their holidays. That´s sick. I guess this is one effect of globalism. People loose the connection to their home and therefore the passion for it... modern city/village planning is all about money and effectiveness, makes me want to vomit. Effectiveness for what? To live in a self-made sh!thole just to effort 2 weeks in an all-inclusive concrete hotel? :picard1:
The thing is though some maintenance and just some minor additions to the house like flower baskets or shutters would make all the difference and those minor additions cost what ? A couple of hundred euro's at most ? Hell... throw in a stone carving or two. A thousand euro's.

[ficuscarica]

Tuan, I think decoration and maintainance efforts would help a lot. However, I think older buildings are more attractive for the human eye, because the walls show much more details and are made out of more natural material. Both making it look more natural and better integrated into the natural environment.

[The Lawspeaker]

Tuan, I think decoration and maintainance efforts would help a lot. However, I think older buildings are more attractive for the human eye, because the walls show much more details and are made out of more natural material. Both making it look more natural and better integrated into the natural environment.

True. But there are areas where older buildings have been removed because they were decrepit and could no longer be restored. So at such places it might perhaps be better to have a modern building but one that has been built by someone with an eye for detail.

At some of the modern buildings even this might help:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e4/Zonwering_001.jpg/800px-Zonwering_001.jpg

Because the biggest problem with modern architecture is what I always call the "lege gevel" - the empty façade.

[ficuscarica]

Indeed. I am not necessarily against new buildings. But they only can become pleasant to the eye when basic aspects of aesthetics aren´t ignored anymore and it is not all about money and effectiveness.
More details on the walls and a better integration into the surrounding area (material!! don´t use steel bars on normal houses´ balconies you freaks!!!) are inevitable to avoid the literal destruction of our homes.

[The Lawspeaker]

Indeed.. it's all about how to "slide" the house into it's mediaeval surroundings without turning it into an eye sore. So it's about details, what materials to use, maintenance.. and of course: the street. There has to be a uniform street view meaning that in that street, and preferably in the entire town, there has to be uniformity in the street furniture.

[ficuscarica]

Street furniture is very important. Especially the street lights can play an enormous role.

Detailed and beautiful...
http://www.am-sur.com/am-sur/chile/Santiago2010/02-Santiago-ankunft-u-zentrum-d/054-paseo-Ahumada-alte-Laternen-33pr.jpg

cheap, simple, functional, cold and ugly...
http://images.zeit.de/bilder/2008/29/bildergalerien/galerien/bg-gesetzlose/01.jpg

[The Lawspeaker]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/04/Hornburg_Fachwerk.jpg/789px-Hornburg_Fachwerk.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Hornburg_Zeughaus.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Sack_House_Braunschweig.jpeg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/01/Hornburg_castle.jpg/800px-Hornburg_castle.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/Fachwerkh%C3%A4user_in_Schiltach.jpg/800px-Fachwerkh%C3%A4user_in_Schiltach.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/An_der_Schiltach.jpg/800px-An_der_Schiltach.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/Fachwerkh%C3%A4user_-_Ochsenfurt.jpg/800px-Fachwerkh%C3%A4user_-_Ochsenfurt.jpg

[The Lawspeaker]

Street furniture is very important. Especially the street lights can play an enormous role.

Detailed and beautiful...
http://www.am-sur.com/am-sur/chile/Santiago2010/02-Santiago-ankunft-u-zentrum-d/054-paseo-Ahumada-alte-Laternen-33pr.jpg

cheap, simple, functional, cold and ugly...
http://images.zeit.de/bilder/2008/29/bildergalerien/galerien/bg-gesetzlose/01.jpg
Sometimes it is possible to combine modern street lighting and modern pavement with older buildings. I have seen some good examples of it in that video of 1970s the Hague and in this video about Scandinavia in 1962:

GgZtp7rJTl0

Just after 07:30 in Stockholm.

[ficuscarica]

Last load from today´s walk. I have many more, but it takes a lot of time to upload them.

http://www.abload.de/img/img_3394nvrp3.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3394nvrp3.jpg)

cute house with little figh bush
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3343orp0p.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3343orp0p.jpg)

http://www.abload.de/img/img_3354nnpih.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3354nnpih.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3375ycqul.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3375ycqul.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3382ztraj.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3382ztraj.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3369lcod8.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3369lcod8.jpg)
http://www.abload.de/img/img_3366mypl9.jpg (http://www.abload.de/image.php?img=img_3366mypl9.jpg)

[Balmung]

How common is architecture like this in Germany?

http://historicyork.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/pict0184-edit-low.jpg?w=500&h=375

Looks like many styled homes in Northern regions of the US :thumb001:

[ficuscarica]

Tuan, these street lights in the video you posted seem to be ok, but mainly because they are hardly noticeable. Now compare this to many old lights, which are not only acceptable, because they go practically unnoticed, but are very noticeable and add a lot of charme to the atmosphere.

[The Lawspeaker]

Tuan, these street lights in the video you posted seem to be ok, but mainly because they are hardly noticeable. Now compare this to many old lights, which are not only acceptable, because they go practically unnoticed, but are very noticeable and add a lot of charme to the atmosphere.
Exactly and that's the point of it: it shouldn't be noticed but just slide in with the rest of the picture. :) Noticing street lighting is sometimes positive but mostly negative because if you notice them then it means that they are standing out like a sore thumb.

[TheNepenthe]

I will refrain from discussing the politics aspects as well. It was a great shame indeed. Dresden was once called "the Venice of the North", and I think some fifty or so German cities were destroyed forever and they were not even military targets. I can only think it was an act of deliberate hatred to destroy so much cultural legacy for eternity. :( I wish I had the list with me...

This is intriguing. Please do post the list asap!
Preferably with photos of how was it before destruction.