Bergkamen I Aus der Tiefe in die Höhe

The proposed envelope for the pump station consists of four graduated curtains of stainless steel rings. The outermost layer extends to the base and closes the volume to the outside. Behind this are three further layers that are gradually stepped back towards the top. The curtains are only suspended from above and are thus gently moved by the wind. The gradations and the properties of the material evoke an ascending and flowing movement. The metal mesh façade not only shapes the external appearance, but also offers an essential function by providing an effective, external, low-maintenance sunshade for the building's occupants without obstructing the view to the outside.
The dancing light on the metal mesh and the overlapping of the translucent layers create a richness of visual impressions and give the tower a mysterious aura. Depending on the lighting conditions and the time of day or night, the appearance changes. Sometimes you can see the tower clearly silhouetted against the sky, as if enveloped by a curtain of water, sometimes you can see light reflections on a silvery fluid surface. When the weather is right, the more superimposed parts of the façade in the upper area will reflect the sky and allow the building to merge with the background. In its dynamism, this façade speaks of a new era of energy generation and of a different understanding of living in harmony with nature and its elements.

Location: Bergkamen

Type: Infrastructure

Status: 1.Prize Competition

Architects: Philipp Mecke, Ana Filipovic, Simon Palme

Engineering: Bollinger + Grohmann

Visualisations: Veit Eckelt