Amidst the industrial echoes of Dortmund, a striking contrast emerges. Black Circle Square stands as a testament to modern art’s power. This isn’t just a square; it’s a living canvas inspired by Kasimir Malevich’s “Black Circle”. The square is a 10.5 x 10.5 meter concrete stage. It’s painted bright white, cradling a circular, black pool. This pool isn’t just for show at Black Circle Square. It serves as a functional fire-water reservoir for the nearby Emschertalhof, holding a staggering 200,000 liters. The square itself, as envisioned by Italian artist Massimo Bartolini, is a “garden without trees”. It’s a place where performance art comes to life. During its inauguration, a synchronized swimmer danced in the pool’s dark water. A bass clarinet player provided a haunting soundtrack. A “Ruhr Volonteer” meticulously scrubbed the white concrete, symbolizing the Emscher River’s ongoing purification. Black Circle Square isn’t merely a static sculpture. It’s a dynamic space, a fusion of art and functionality. It disrupts the everyday, standing as a bold “spaceship” in the green landscape, challenging perceptions and sparking curiosity at the heart of Dortmund’s industrial heritage.
Willy-Brandt-Gesamtschule
Established in 1988 the Willy-Brandt-Gesamtschule in Bochum is a significant landmark in German education. It was one of the first