Places of interest / Technologiezentrum Umweltschutz

The combination of historic and modern has become the trademark of Essener Straße in Oberhausen. Today the “alley of industrial heritage” stands where once the heavy industry with its classic administrative buildings had created an architectural monument after the turn of the last century. Modern additions with forward-looking uses are coupled with the historic buildings to form a meaningful unit of design and functionality and enhance the street of buildings into a modern service centre. Important sub-projects included the conversion of the former Thyssen Werksgasthaus (works guesthouse) in 1993 and the new Technologiezentrum Umweltschutz (TZU), which was constructed for the Internationale Bauausstellung (IBA – International Exhibition of Architecture and Construction) of Emscher Park. Built by Carl Weigle in 1913 during the height of the coal, iron and steel industries, the Kasino that is steeped in tradition nowadays has an excellent reputation as an office and conference centre (TZU I) capable of accommodating meetings with up to 500 persons owing to its ultra-modern technical infrastructure. Designed in a joint effort between the French architects Reichen and Robert and the local Dratz Architect Office, the bow-shaped building complex TZU II is connected to the Werksgasthaus with office space for new start-ups and underlines the impressive effect. Due to the high demand, a five-storey extension (TZU IV) was completed in 1997. This extension is connected to the “Am Kaisergarten” Industrial Park by means of a distinctive bridge. The TZU III building, which is located at Osterfelder-/Essener Straße, serves as home for the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (UMSICHT).