On a high, seven times
From ground level, it is impossible to obtain an overview of the entire urban landscape. Only a bird’s eye view of the seven high points reveals the distinctive structure of the Ruhr Metropolis: the horizons disfigured by man and machine, the landscape scarred by the ravages of mining and the coal and steel industries.
The face of a ruthlessly exploited natural landscape, soothed and "healed" by re-greening and by the hand of the planners and artists. The seven high points allow visitors and local residents alike to experience the true vision of the new metropolis, given a new lease of life through cultural transformation.
Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park
Duisburg-Nord Landscape Parkt / Photo: Rupert Oberhäuser
"Thar she blows!" yelled the stokers as the blast furnace roared into life. The temperature soared to 2,000 degrees in Furnace 5 at the Thyssen plant in Duisburg-Meiderich. Today, the view from the "charging platform" over Oberhausen, Duisburg and far away to the western Ruhr is ample reward for the steep climb up the steel steps.
Oberhausen Gasometer
Oberhausen Gasometer / Photo: Blickwinkel/Stefan Ziese
The ride in the glass elevator inside the giant gas cylinder is an experience in itself. On reaching the top, the visitor can peer down on the Rhine-Herne Canal, which will be transformed into the "Culture Canal" in 2010. The river Emscher follows a parallel course and between the two waterways lies a narrow strip of land which extends as far as the eye can see: the Emscher Island. And it is here that the world-class open-air art exhibition "Emscher Art 2010" is to be held in 2010.
You can find further information at:
Emscher Art 2010
Spoil Tip Event: Emscher View with Tetrahedron
Emscherblick spoil tip event with Tetraeder / Photo: Rupert Oberhäuser
A hike across the spoil tip plateau reveals a new form of "summit marker" - the air and steel structure known as the Tetrahedron. Transparent flooring, a slanting viewing platform and swaying stairs already make the ascent an unforgettable experience.
Schurenbach Spoil Tip with the "Slab for the Ruhr"
Schurenbach spoil tip with "Ruhrgebiet slab" / Photo: Daniel Müller
The stones and rocks that are mined with the coal are piled high into spoil tips. The Schurenbach spoil tip consists mainly of waste material excavated from the Zollverein mine. The barren, rock-strewn surface of the spoil tip plateau is more like a scene from another planet. This impression is further reinforced by the monolithic "Slab for the Ruhr" by the American artist Richard Serra. The Tetrahedron rises high in the distance, similarly hovering in an unearthly manner, alongside the skyline of Essen and the Nordstern colliery in Gelsenkirchen.
Zollverein World Heritage Site
Zollverein World Heritage Site / Photo: Manfred Vollmer
The Ruhr without the Zollverein is like Rome without the Coliseum.
From the roof of the 40-metre tall coil-washing plant it is plain for all to see: for almost 360 degrees all around, there is nothing on the horizon of what used to be. Man-made mountains and artificial valleys - a unique landscape.
Nordstern Tower
Nordstern Tower / Design: THS GmbH/Petzinka, Ness, Clasen
Shaft II of the former Nordstern colliery is surely a structure built on vaulting ambition. The winding tower is being turned into a museum, while the top of the tower, raised by four glass levels, is crowned by a 25 metre high sculpture by Markus Lüpertz. A panorama full of contrast. Video art will be shown in future in the tower, and the view from the visitors’ terrace opens out onto the green Nordstern Park, the Emscher Island and the boats on the Rhine-Herne Canal.
You can find further information at:
Nordsterntower
Dortmund U
Dortmund "U" / Photo: Rupert Oberhäuser
"U" - a short name for a long brewing tradition: The letter "U" towers 9 metres high above the roof of the fermentation and storage building of the former "Dortmunder Union" brewery into the sky over Dortmund. From May 2010, the 70-metre tall monument will be the first centre for the different sectors of the creative industries of the future, focusing on "music and media".