The former coal mine Zeche Zollverein, an area of 100 ha, was announced world heritage by UNESCO in 2002. OMA was commissioned to develop a master plan for the site with the goal to add a large quantity of program in order of Entwicklungs-Gesellschaft Zollverein mbH (EGZ) to reinforce the historical context and to re-use the area.
Within this master... read more

The former coal mine Zeche Zollverein, an area of 100 ha, was announced world heritage by UNESCO in 2002. OMA was commissioned to develop a master plan for the site with the goal to add a large quantity of program in order of Entwicklungs-Gesellschaft Zollverein mbH (EGZ) to reinforce the historical context and to re-use the area.
Within this master plan OMA designs together with Bl & Krabel one of three so-called Attractors who will form a cultural and economic centre for Essen with a strong link to the surrounding area.
The combined program of 12.000m2 for the Visitors Centre, the Ruhrmuseum and the Metaform will be accommodated in the most impressive building on site: the former factory for sorting coals (Kohlenwche). The new program will be added to the building without removing the existing machines that dominate the building and are a characteristic sign for the former use. 
Due to a careful analysis and a strategic development of the utterly complicated building, the bureaus have been successful in combining seemingly opposing interests. The result is an industrial monument that combines modern use with historic context.
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