observatorium's hallenhaus look out point provides open-air tranquility

observatorium’s hallenhaus look out point provides open-air tranquility
image © thomas mayer
all images courtesy of observatorium

positioned at the top of a slag heap along germany’s A57 motorway, this open barn-like structure has been erected to serve as a place of tranquility. completed by observatorium, a studio who comprise artists geert van de camp, andre dekker, lieven poutsma and ruud reutelingsperger, the building’s envelope is 16 meters long, 14 meters wide, and 10 meters high. the sculpture consists of several steel trusses, all of which can be completely disassembled. 

the scheme is positioned at the top of a slag heap along germany’s A57 motorway
image © thomas mayer

set in a region of the country between the ruhr valley and the dutch border, the site is populated in equal measure with historic farmhouses and huge power stations. set amid this landscape, the incomplete structure – named ‘hallenhaus’ – has been designed as a symbol of change and optimism. towering over the landscape from its acropolis-like setting, the steel framework accentuates the plot’s panoramic views and gives the bare plateau a distinct identity.

the building’s envelope is 16 meters long and 14 meters wide
image © thomas mayer

the sculpture consists of several steel trusses, all of which can be completely disassembled
image © thomas mayer

the surrounding site is populated with historic farmhouses and huge power stations
image © thomas mayer

the incomplete building has been designed as a symbol of change and optimism
image © thomas mayer

image © thomas mayer

the structure towers over the region from its acropolis-like setting
image © thomas mayer

image © thomas mayer

‘hallenhaus’ illuminated at night
image © thomas mayer