While traveling through northern Germany we came across Landschaftspark in the industrial town of Duisburg. The former Thyssen Meiderich iron and steel plant was abandoned in 1985 and was redesigned in 1991 by Latz + Partner. The new complex now includes walkways to tour the plant, waterways, gardens, pools for scuba diving, rock climbing walls and a main piazza for performances and gatherings. “The site was designed with the idea that a grandfather, who might have worked at the plant, could walk with his grandchildren, explaining what he used to do and what the machinery had been used for.” Lighting design by Jonathan Park illuminates portions of the machinery at night. The original plant is fascinating and the transformation maintains an authenticity of its original nature while allowing useful and inspiring programs to inhabit the complex. More information can be found on the Landschaftspark website.
The nearby Kokerei Zollverein plant in Essen faced the same abandonment and has since added an ice skating rink and swimming pool to the complex as part of the re-use program.
The nearby Gasometer in Oberhausen is illuminated and used for theatrical performances.
