UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein. Coking Plant Monument Path
Decommissioned in 1993, the former Zeche Zollverein became UNESCO World Heritage industrial monument in 2001 and a new masterplan developed by OMA was completed in 2010. The re-furbishment of the former Kohlenwäsche followed, as well as the Zollverein Cube by SANAA. Latest step on this journey is the set up of the Coking Plant Monument Path.
Therefor five exhibition pavilions are being placed ahead, inside, on top and next to the monumental structure of the former coking plant. The one shown here marks the start, the other ones will follow after the ongoing renovation during the next years.
The new exhibition pavilions complement the existing venues and expand the visual potential of the coking plant. By creating a new shelter models and original exhibits can be shown, as well as projections and animations to explain the complex functional processes of coke production.
The structure of the listed coking plant will be supplemented with additional exhibition pavilions at a total of five locations. Setting and proportion of the added volumes as well as their material are carried out in a careful and specific examination of what is found on site.
Axiality as an essential feature of the monumental coking plant receives the greatest possible attention. The entrance pavilion presented here is therefore not within, but in front of the tower - without any structural contact. Open views into the hall and tower of the coking plant enable visitors to relive the movements on the tracks and the processes in the tower when this plant was still active.
The design of the pavilions refers to the vertical structure of the oven chambers. Horizontal divisions are largely avoided and the center-to-center distance of the oven chambers with 1.35 meters as the basic module is transferred to all exhibition cubes.
The different production areas of the coking plant, with and without dust deposits, were once called black and white area. This pair of opposites is represented through the coloring of the new exhibition pavilions. On one hand they are clothed in black coated metal panels, and on the other low-oxide and additionally sandblasted industrial cast U-shape glass serves as the white counterpart.
The grid of the outer ramp and staircase merge into the cube as flooring - the industrial design becomes part of the interior as well.
