Our competition entry conceives the canopy as a functional structure – a protective, practical and yet poetic gesture spanning the heart of the Zollverein Coking Plant. It maintains a sense of distance and respect towards the monument, whilst still conveying the rhythm and power of industrial production. Its appearance is welcoming, understated and imbued with a unique elegance. With its delicate reddish hue, it blends naturally into the industrial landscape, preserving the dominance of the existing structure whilst simultaneously becoming a clear symbol of the commitment to preservation. It is not an iconic object, but an attitude: protection that serves – functional, technically precise and culturally sensitive. The shape of the roof arises from its function: protection, drainage and the integration of photovoltaic panels form the basis of its design. The slightly undulating roof edge on the front façade also echoes the sequence of the furnaces and flares, creating a subtle movement that structures the length of the arrays and brings them to life with rhythm. Towards the rear, this movement settles into a straight line, giving the roof a calm and composed appearance as it faces the adjacent fire-fighting track hall.

procedure: competitionentry
location: Essen
pictures: filippo bolognese images
cooperation: Engelsmann Peters GmbH