Description
The Science Park Rheinelbe was built as part of the International Building Exhibition Emscher Park to promote structural changes in the Ruhr District. The formation of small, decentralised technology centres was to set the stage for the sustained development of this non-academic and ”non-scientific” region, that has been dominated by heavy industries in the past. The altogether 17 technology centres accommodate institutes outsourced by large corporations or associated with academic or non-academic research.
On the 30 ha site of former Thyssen cast steel plant and Zeche Rheinelbe mine the complex forms a new and poignant edge of the city, substantially supporting the redevelopment of the urban fabric destroyed by the derelict industrial site. Following the theme ”Working in the Park” the buildings are grouped around a new landscaped park including a lake, this way reintroducing a fair bit of nature to the city. The 300 m long glass arcade at the east of the site which runs along the water edge forms the spine of the complex and provides a communicative link between the research and development workshops and the public. It has been conceived as a roofed boulevard with shops and restaurants. The glazed façade elements of the lower third can be electrically moved upwards.
A former administration building which has been converted into a labour court completes the layout at its northern edge, as does a kindergarten in the southeast. Nine pavilions accommodate administration, solar energy, IT, and medical technology facilities. They are arranged in a comb pattern and accessed from the three-storey arcade building.
The idea of a structural change of the region through the attraction of ”soft technologies” does not merely have its expression in the urban design concept. The building itself also marks a technological change from conventional to ”intelligent” building technologies. Consequently, its design addresses issues of sustainable energy and climate. The lake, for example, serves as a rain water reservoir and design feature and provides cooling during summer, when the façade is retracted. The shading devices of the glazed façade react to exterior weather conditions and control either solar gain in winter or natural ventilation during summer. The roof was equipped with one of the largest solar power stations at the time of construction.
Drawings
Photos
View across the lake and along the glazed arcade towards the labour court
Entering light and reflections add a lively element to the gallery spaces
Originally published in: Hardo Braun, Dieter Grömling, Research and Technology Buildings: A Design Manual, Birkhäuser, 2005.