Architect Erich Mendelsohn (1887-1953) understood the distinctiveness of his times and believed it was the job of the modern architect, who was possessed of practical and theoretical knowledge, to give shape to these unique times with the materials of the modern age: steel, plate glass, and reinforced concrete. One of Mendelsohn's early projects was the renovation of Mosse House, which held the main offices of Rudolf Mosse’s publishing empire. During the Spartacist uprising of 1919, Mosse House had been occupied and used as the Spartacist headquarters. Mendelsohn believed that his redesigned building, shown here, had a calming effect on the street and passersby.