Decommissioned in 1993, the former Zeche Zollverein became UNESCO World Heritage industrial monument in 2001 and a new masterplan developed by OMA was completed in 2010. The refurbishment of the former Kohlenwäsche followed, as well as the Zollverein Cube by SANAA. Latest step on this journey is the set up of the Coking Plant Monument Path. Therefor four exhibition pavilions are being placed ahead, inside, on top and next to the monumental structure of the former coking plant, in which the complex functional processes of coke production are conveyed through projections and animations, as well as with models and original exhibits.
At a total of four locations, the structure of the listed coking plant will be supplemented with additional exhibition cubes following prior refurbishment. Similar to the design of the existing buildings at Zollverein, all cubes are united by a consistent construction principle and material concept. Different spatial requirements can be catered for with attractive minimal irritation of the existing building and without losing the overall effect. The positioning and proportions of the additional fixtures and fittings are carefully and specifically designed with the existing building in mind.
The axiality as a characteristic feature of the monumental coking plant is given the greatest possible attention. As a result, one of the visitor cubes presented here is not located in, but in front of the extinguishing tower - without any structural contact. Open views into the extinguishing track hall and into the facilities of the ‘empty’ extinguishing tower make it possible to follow the movements on the tracks and the processes in the extinguishing tower. The vertical structure of the oven chambers is thematically transferred to the design of the exhibition stations. Horizontal divisions are avoided as far as possible and the centre-to-centre distance of 1.35 metres between the oven chambers is transferred to all exhibition cubes as a basic module.
The different production areas of the coking plant, with and without dust deposits, were labelled the black and white sides. This pair of opposites is now the theme of the colour scheme of the additional buildings. A black-coated steel skeleton is clad on one side with black metal panels, and on the opposite long side and both front sides with low-oxide and additionally sandblasted industrial cast glass as a white counterpart. The gratings of the external ramp and staircase system merge into the floor covering of the cube and continue the industrial design in the interior.
