Explosive gases lurk beneath our feet. This is why the Nessy-Familie Sculpture exists. It is more than meets the eye. The Nessy-Familie Sculpture isn’t just a whimsical piece of art. It’s a vital part of Düsseldorf’s infrastructure. This colorful sculpture serves a crucial purpose. It is a ventilation system for the city’s underground sewer network.
In 1994, Inge Loerke received a special assignment. She was tasked with designing ventilation pipes for the large storage sewer below. Loerke, an architect with the building authority, took on the project. She crafted an initial design over a single weekend using plastic pipes, plaster, and poster paint. Her creation was well-received. The design has been faithfully preserved. The eight original colors were carefully documented. This ensures the Nessy-Familie Sculpture maintains its original charm for years to come.
But how does the Nessy-Familie Sculpture work? Imagine a network of 1,550 kilometers of canals snaking beneath Düsseldorf. These canals carry wastewater and rainwater to treatment plants. In the sewer system, dangerous gases can accumulate. To combat this, the Nessy-Familie Sculpture pumps 70,000 cubic meters of air per hour. It keeps the underground environment safe.
The sculpture was erected in 1996. It features three brightly painted “sea monsters” snaking across the landscape. The press quickly named it the Nessy-Familie. These colorful figures aren’t just for show. They hide ventilation pipes that reach up to eight meters high.
The Nessy-Familie Sculpture covers 220 square meters. It uses 60 meters of steel pipes. Over time, the steel structure faced challenges. The colorful paint protected against corrosion. However, the paint began to peel in places. Graffiti also marred the surface. In 2021, a comprehensive renovation took place. The Nessy-Familie Sculpture received a complete repaint. A special anti-graffiti coating was applied. The refurbishment cost around 26,000 euros.
The Nessy-Familie Sculpture is located near the S-Bahnhof D-Volksgarten on Feuerbachstraße. Standing eight meters tall with a base of 10 by 15 meters it is hard to miss.
The Nessy-Familie Sculpture is a prime example of how infrastructure can be both functional and fun. As City Treasurer Dorothée Schneider noted, infrastructure can be colorful. The Nessy-Familie has high recognition for the city. So next time you see the Nessy-Familie Sculpture remember its dual role. It’s not only a whimsical landmark, but also a breath of fresh air for the city.