Luminescent Landmark
Marcy Marro,
Posted
02/01/2010
The
270-ton (243-metric ton), 118-foot-(36-m-) high Indemann
Observation Tower in Inden, Germany, is a steel sculpture and
observation tower that resembles a primitive robot. Built
on a brown coal dump, the tower is designed to be a new industrial
landmark and a symbol of the area's evolution from a coal dump to
an amusement park and innovative economic area.
Located adjacent
to the busiest autobahnin Europe, the A4, the sculpture serves as a
visual symbol of progressive planning for the future. The Indemann
extends its right arm to point out the evolving landscape and
features three observation platforms from which visitors can enjoy
views of the region. The robot'smouthpiece is a ticker, while
organic and geometric shapes form the focal point of the media
projection.
Completed in 2009, the Indemann gets its unique radiance from a
semitransparent skin made of stainless-steel mesh with interwoven
LED profiles called Illumesh from GKD-Gebr. Kufferath AG, Düren,
Germany, and ag4 media facade GmbH, Cologne, Germany. During the
day the metallic surface shimmers and reflects light, and at night,
a computer-controlled light show visible for miles comes to
life.
The woven,
transparent stainless-stee shell uses clever reflection techniques
to melt the stark, geometric silhouette of the Indemann, while
allowing it to blend into the surrounding landscape. The
18,009-square-foot(1,673-m2) observation tower features 15,823
square feet (1,470 m2) of Illumesh. There are 256 LED heads
positioned in front of the stainless-steel mesh that project light
and color compositions onto the material at night, creating the
impression of a 3-D hologram. With 40,655 LED lamps that can be
controlled separately by computer, the illuminated robot symbolizes
a bright future for the area.
Indemann
Observation Tower, Inden, Germany
Architect: Maurer United Architects, Maastricht, Netherlands
Stainless-steel mesh: GKD-Gebr. Kufferath AG, Düren, Germany, and
ag4 media façade GmbH, Cologne, Germany,
www.creativeweave.de
www.creativeweave.de