E.ON Energy Research Centre in Aachen, Germany by Zaha Hadid Architects

Article source: Zaha Hadid Architects
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Existing contours and infrastructure act as the primary form generator for a new research building at RWTH University – producing a structure which works in symbiosis with the man-made and natural elements that surround it. A structure which harnesses regenerative energy techniques to produce more power than it consumes.

E.ON Energy Research Centre

• Architects: Zaha Hadid Architects
• Project: E.ON Energy Research Centre
• Location: Aachen, Germany
• Area: 5,000m2
• Gross: 6,900m2
• Completion Date: 2006 – TBC
• Design: Zaha Hadid with Patrik Schumacher
• Project Architect: Gernot Finselbach
• Assistant Project Architect: Philipp Vogt
• Competition Team: Britta Knobel, Arnoldo Rabago, Margarita Yordanova Valova, Graham Modlen, Nils Fischer, Sara Klomps, Helmut Kinzler
• Structural: Buro Happold Consulting Engineers (London, UK/Berlin, GER)
• M & E / Services: Transsolar Energietechnik GmbH (Stuttgart, GER)

E.ON Energy Research Centre

The new E.ON Energy Research Department Building at RWTH University in Aachen occupies a site defined by existing rail tracks and a 4-lane arterial road. Our concept translates the direction and contours of this site as a primary form generator for the building.

E.ON Energy Research Centre

Structure and form correlate closely with movement through and around the structure; with the natural daylight and airflow across the site. Structural and aerodynamic fins on the roof serve to modulate daylight and wind, maximising the provision of natural light and ventilation of the building interior.

E.ON Energy Research Centre

A long integrated landscaped path guides people to the main entrance. From here a central corridor moves inside, forming a passage. A separate path bifurcates, running parallel and descending to a lower entrance beneath. The internal passage defines a circular academic band of theory on two levels and an internal practical pocket with laboratories on entrance level: the west facing the open green and entry to the site, the east located seminar and meeting rooms facing the train tracks.

E.ON Energy Research Centre

At the far northerly corner of the building, the roof envelope rises, marking a turning point of the internal passage. The 3-storey open gallery, with staircases at each end and a middle ramp, forms a circulation loop, generating diverse and constant fluency of movement over all levels between the practical and academic volumes.

E.ON Energy Research Centre

Symbiotically, Architecture and Energy determine and complement one another. Components have more than one function, performing and multitasking as hybrid forms. Each component is dimensioned and optimised by thermal, lighting and airflow-mechanical simulations. By using regenerative energies, the reduced demand of energy can be more than covered. With it, the new Institute produces more energy than it consumes.

E.ON Energy Research Centre

E.ON Energy Research Centre

E.ON Energy Research Centre

E.ON Energy Research Centre

E.ON Energy Research Centre

E.ON Energy Research Centre

More projects by Zaha Hadid

Tags: Aachen, Germany

Categories: Energy plant, Research Station, Zaha Hadid

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