The most influential structure on the development of large, enclosed public space of reinforced concrete was the Jahrhunderthalle (Centennial Hall) of Breslau. This structural icon was designed to commemorate 100 year anniversary of the defeat of Napoleon's army in 1813 by the Preussische army near Breslau. The city fathers wished to erect not only a monument to this moment in German history, but to take the opportunity to build a large, multi-purpose hall for their present and future needs.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1165