A cube of creativity awaits. The SANAA-Gebäude in Essen is more than just a building. It is a testament to innovative design and adaptive reuse.
This architectural marvel, designed by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA, stands as a striking contrast to its surroundings. Completed in 2006, the SANAA-Gebäude is a 35-meter cube. Its imposing form announces the former factory grounds.
Originally intended to house a private design school, the SANAA-Gebäude faced initial struggles. The school didn’t attract enough students to be self-sufficient. However, in 2010, the Folkwang University of the Arts stepped in. They transformed the building into the Department of Design.
Glenn D. Lowry, Director of MoMA, described the design as a burst of jazz. It stands in the middle of a classical composition. SANAA aimed to achieve transparency in the concrete structure. The building’s design picks up the basic functional idea used by the original Zollverein architects Schupp and Kremmer.
The seemingly random arrangement of windows creates an unusual interaction with the surroundings. Windows in three different sizes punctuate the walls. These openings filter light and views. They soften the transition between exterior and interior.
Inside the SANAA-Gebäude, you will find four floors with varying ceiling heights. A roof garden crowns the structure. The ground floor houses a presentation hall, exhibition spaces, a foyer, and a café. The second floor is home to design studios and creative workspaces. The third floor features a library, seminar rooms, and quiet workplaces. The fourth floor contains offices.
The roof garden provides a viewing platform. From here you can view the Zollverein World Heritage Center. The SANAA-Gebäude acts as a bridge between teaching, research, and practical implementation.
A unique feature of the SANAA-Gebäude is its thermally active isolation. Instead of traditional insulation, the architects utilized a resource from the mine. Hot water pumped from a depth of 1000 meters flows through a heat exchanger within the facade. This heats the building and reduces CO2 emissions.
The SANAA-Gebäude stands as a symbol of Essen’s transformation. From industrial heartland to cultural hub, the building embodies the spirit of innovation and adaptation. It is a place where design, education, and sustainability converge. It is a testament to the power of architecture to shape our world.