Zollverein School of Management and Design in Essen
07.08.2006
The new Zollverein School of Management and Design building was completed and handed over to its users at the end of August 2006.
Drees & Sommer Cologne was commissioned by the Entwicklungsgesellschaft Zollverein (Zollverein development company) to carry out project control for the construction of the new building, remodeling of the coal-washing plant, and for infrastructure work in the grounds. The former Zollverein colliery is an heritage-listed industry icon and was World Heritage listed by UNESCO in 2001.
A master plan by OMA (Office of Metropolitan Architecture) and Rem Koolhaas provided for complementing the ensemble by the addition of a building of contemporary architectural design. The architects responsible - SANAA of Tokyo - designed a white 35 x 35 x 34 meter cube of light-colored fair-face concrete.
The rehabilitated coal-washing plant will become the Ruhr Museum's visitor center. Both projects are to be opened shortly - right on time for ENTRY, the International Forum for Design and Architecture.
