Zollverein coal mine in Essen, 1929-1931
When it came on stream the Zollverein coal mine was regarded as the
"world's most beautiful coalmine". Moreover, no bigger or more modern
coal mine was opened anywhere in the world for a long time after that.
The two architects, Fritz Schupp and Martin Kremmer, had been heavily
influenced by their contemporaries in the Bauhaus school of art and
architecture. They designed this industrial complex on the principles of
symmetry and geometry. HOCHTIEF was responsible for the construction
of this unusual project.
The mine finally closed down in 1986 but the buildings were not demolished.
The State of North Rhine Westphalia took the complex over, placed a
preservation order on it, and arranged for it to be thoroughly refurbished.
Today, visitors to this industrial monument can follow the history of mining
and heavy industry in one of Europe's major industrial regions. It has at the
same time become a new location for art, culture, and design.
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