The international team will develop proposals to preserve Kraftwerk 1, a key 19th-century industrial structure in Germany’s Saarland
David Kohn Architects has been appointed alongside German practice JOHNNY architecture and engineering firm WETZEL & von SEHT to work on the stabilisation and preservation of Kraftwerk 1, a major building within the Völklinger Hütte UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany’s Saarland region.
The former steelworks is one of Europe’s most complete surviving industrial complexes from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The project, commissioned by World Heritage Site Völklinger Hütte European Centre for Art and Industrial Culture, seeks to ensure the long-term survival of the derelict 19th-century structure. The building sits within a wider 7.6ha former industrial site that is now used for cultural events, exhibitions, and public activities.
The project team will focus on developing a strategy to stabilise the structure and develop a conservation plan.
David Kohn, director of David Kohn Architects, said: “We have had great synergy with JOHNNY architecture and long-term collaborator WETZEL & von SEHT. I am delighted this convinced the client to give us this extraordinary opportunity to contribute to ensuring the future of this unique site.”
Jon Steinfeld, founder of JOHNNY architecture, added: “The Völklinger Hütte is a unique place. The industrial history is also part of the history of architecture and engineering. It is an extremely exciting task to develop the site for the coming decades: with our partners from David Kohn Architects and WETZEL & von SEHT and an experienced client, we have the best prerequisites for the project.”
>> Also read: Designing from first principles: Inside David Kohn Architects’ Gradel Quadrangles
>> Also read: David Kohn bags RIBA House of the Year
No comments yet