rené van zuuk architekten: galileum solingen

‘galileum solingen’ by rené van zuuk architekten, germany images courtesy of rené van zuuk architekten

netherlands-based studio rené van zuuk architekten have sent us images of ‘galileum solingen’, their proposal for a competition instigated by the local observatory in solingen, germany. the redevelopment centers around an old spherical gas container measuring twenty-six meters in diameter which aims to honor the industrial character and historical context of the existing building.

lobby

for the most part, the design follows that of the original – pragmatic and efficient in its approach. the landscape hugs the exterior walls, complimenting the spherical profile and concealing the three meter high concrete foundation. inside, a series of stairs connect each of the four floors, ranging from open exhibition halls to a planetarium and observatory respectively.

looking down to first floor

exhibition floors

section

section

existing structure