Showcase and window to the world: East German architecture abroad 1949–1990

For decades, German Democratic Republic (GDR) architecture was seen as parochial and dictated by the Soviets, yet increasing scholarly interest has generated a picture of debates and specific practices that were embedded in the global process of expansion and crisis of Modernism. Meanwhile, and influenced by the East-West conflict, competing concepts of modernization and national identity arose in the so-called Third World, initiating multifarious cultural transfer processes. This article analyses to what extent the architects from the GDR – a country whose building practice was increasingly shaped by the principles of industrial prefabrication – have played a part in regional contexts and construction methods. It also asks what their role was in international organizations such as Union Internationale des Architects and UNESCO, which promoted their practical engagement abroad. The subject raises issues of possible freedom of action in creative design and fusion processes, but also of bureaucratic constrictions and international relationships ending in unexpected conflicts. The examples outline the field of activities that stretches from pure blueprint delivery for a memorial competition to long-standing work on location when planning whole neighbourhoods. Furthermore, the article examines how the challenges of international planning impacted building culture within the GDR itself.     

Construction of a polynomial invariant annihilation attack of degree 7 for T-310

Abstract

Cryptographic attacks are typically constructed by black-box methods and combinations of simpler properties, for example in [Generalised] Linear Cryptanalysis. In this article, we work with a more recent white-box algebraic-constructive methodology. Polynomial invariant attacks on a block cipher are constructed explicitly through the study of the space of Boolean polynomials which does not have a unique factorisation and solving the so-called Fundamental Equation (FE). Some recent invariant attacks are quite symmetric and exhibit some sort of clear structure, or work only when the Boolean function is degenerate. As a proof of concept, we construct an attack where a highly irregular product of seven polynomials is an invariant for any number of rounds for T-310 under certain conditions on the long term key and for any key and any IV. A key feature of our attack is that it works for any Boolean function which satisfies a specific annihilation property. We evaluate very precisely the probability that our attack works when the Boolean function is chosen uniformly at random.     

Sources and methods: uncovering the story of American Cryptology in World War I

Abstract

This article discusses source material for studying US cryptologic efforts during World War I. Much of this material was used to prepare the forthcoming publication from NSA’s Center for Cryptologic History, From the Ground Up: American Cryptology During World War I. The author suggests areas for additional scholarship in the field.     

Towards more Social Cohesion in Large Post-Second World War Housing Estates? A Case Study in Utrecht,the Netherlands1

The last few years have seen many studies of large post-Second World War housing estates. At present they are often the most deprived areas of European cities. The turnover of the population on these estates is characteristically rapid, leading to considerable socio-economic and socio-cultural changes and a multi-ethnic neighbourhood. Such areas often have to contend with severe physical, social and economic problems and the consequent dissatisfaction of the residents. This combination of rapid and selective population turnover and increasing numbers of problems may well affect aspects of social cohesion within these neighbourhoods, particularly the social networks. This process is regrettable, because social cohesion is regarded in a positive light, something that enhances the quality of life. Stimulating social cohesion is therefore an important objective of many policies that focus on large post-Second World War housing estates. The authors have found it interesting to discover how important social cohesion is in the opinions and the lives of the inhabitants rather than the policy makers. In their opinion, urban policies focus on social cohesion while the inhabitants' views of its relevance are unknown. On the basis of this paper, certain aspects of social cohesion in large post-Second World War housing estates appear to be valued, but housing market behaviour, such as residential moves, is hardly affected by aspects of social cohesion. Other aspects, such as moving to a better house, are much more relevant. The results may put into doubt the stress placed in urban policies on social cohesion.     

RE-READING SINGAPORE’S “BLACK AND WHITE” ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE: THE AESTHETIC AFFECTS AND AFFECTATIONS OF ADAPTIVE REUSE

Colonial-period military estates in Singapore are being gentrified for adaptive reuse producing high-end hospitality and retail venues for expatriate and tourist consumption. These include the feted “Black and White” residential enclaves synonymous with Singapore’s tropical aesthetic. But underlying this reinvention is a disturbing history of wartime repurposing under the Japanese Imperial Army, which temporarily destabilised the meanings and representations of these buildings. The seemingly undisturbed architectural typologies of barracks, bungalows and timber huts were backdrops to war, military occupation and captivity. This paper explores how the aesthetic affects and affectations that accompany adaptive reuse may conceal or disclose unsettling histories. It contrasts contemporary celebration of these revitalised historical neighbourhoods with their very different representation by wartime captives.     

Restoring the ruins: the social context of reconstruction in the countrysides of Northern France in the aftermath of the great war

The reconstruction of devastated farms, villages and market towns in northern France was not masterminded by the state or carried out by its emergency agencies, which were concerned with filling trenches, removing shells, restoring farmland and patching up ruins. Segments of French society needed to mobilize themselves to declare their losses and claim compensation from the state. Proposals by French trades unionists to bring in German building workers to reconstruct rural settlements were rejected. Instead, general purpose reconstruction co‐operatives were established, first in Lorraine and then throughout the régions dévastées. It is argued that the differing attitudes to religion and trades unionism in the countryside of northern France were reflected in the varying efforts made to effect rural reconstruction during the 1920s. The dream of international labour solidarity through reconstruction was not realized. Rather, restoration of northern France was undertaken by private construction companies, often contracted to general‐purpose co‐operatives.     

非战争军事行动装备保障资源运输方式选择模型

装备保障资源运输是非战争军事行动装备保障的重要环节,采用神经网络法选择保障资源运输方式,用遗传算法优化保障资源运输路径,并结合实际的交通网络图给出了运输方式选择的案例分析,表明该模型的可行性。     

Using the past to indicate the possible presence of relics in the present-day landscape: the Western Front of the Great War in Belgium

The First World War (WWI) had a notable influence on the landscape at the former Western Front in Belgium. Research on a landscape scale is necessary to understand the destructive and constructive impact of the war and its consequences for the post-war landscape in a holistic manner. This paper focuses on the trajectory and impact analysis of three study areas with contrasting landscape types and aims to indicate possible preserved military relics today. Therefore, landscape changes are studied using historical aerial photographs (WWI and WWII) and contemporary orthophotos. A military landscape characterisation is made based on land use/land cover and linear structures that were mapped throughout time. Specific landscape trajectories could be designated as areas with a possible preservation of WWI heritage, with a related impact degree. The results are useful for sustainable heritage management and for further interdisciplinary research on WWI-heritage, by providing a broad knowledge of the area.     

THE CONTROL OF PUBLIC CRYPTOGRAPHY AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH - A REVIEW

Abstract

This article presents the original draft of the Zimmermann telegram from 1917 in facsimile. Its various annotations provide interesting insights, such as the idea to promise California to Japan and instructions concerning transmission and encryption. Further documents clarify how the telegram was sent and put various alternatives suggested in the literature to rest. The political background and fallout in Germany are discussed, as well.     

THE PAPER ENIGMA MACHINE

The Enigma Machine is a complex electromechanical device used by the Germans in World War II to achieve what they thought was complete communications security. While the original machine weighed over 20?lbs, the central mechanics of the machine can be simulated manually by manipulating strips of paper. A Paper Enigma is presented that can be cut out of a single sheet of paper. The resulting simulator is compatible with the electromechanical original in that messages can be encoded on one, and decoded on the other. Copies of The Paper Enigma can be downloaded from http://mckoss.com/crypto/enigma.htm.