First round

Author:
Prof. Wolfgang Fischer, Dipl.-Ing.
Sebastian Schneider, Dipl.-Ing. (FH)

Collaborator:
Benedikt Nagel

Technical planning:
Structural engineer WSP Ingenieure Würzburg: 
J. Hümmert, Dipl.-Ing. (FH)

 

Explanation of the design

Explanatory text

The KAESER CHARGING STATION represents a unique overall concept. Our vision of the seamless integration of technology and natural landscape offers Coburg a unique opportunity and should serve as a driving force and role model far beyond the region.

Fundamental key objectives

Our design principles include

1. Clearly established, space-defining elements: A few distinctive features.

2. Sustainability of building materials: Use of environmentally friendly materials for both buildings and open spaces.

3. Simplicity of construction: Clear and efficient design.

4. Recyclability: Elements should be recyclable at the end of their life cycle.

5. Recognisability: With a deliberately minimalist design.

Additional key objectives

Our concept aims to:

1. Activate spaces for experiences and encounters: Creating inspiring places for social interaction and experiences.

2. Appropriate natural spaces in a playful way: Integrating nature into users' everyday lives through playful approaches.

3. Make ecological connections visible: Education and sensitisation for the environment.

Urban development

The various functional areas are clearly separated from each other and linked by a well-connected network of paths. The car park and charging points are located to the north and north-east, while the service area and observation tower are in the centre. A transition area leads into the KAESER WALD forest.

Park

The access routes for cars and pedestrians to the service block are safely separated. An electronic guidance system at the entrances shows the available parking spaces to avoid traffic searching for spaces. The roofs of the charging bays are designed in small sections to ensure good ventilation and avoid heat build-up. The different heights of the roofs lend the area lightness and cheerfulness. Charging bays and visitor car parking spaces are deliberately mixed to encourage encounters, and small spaces are created between the parking bays for short stays.

The construction phases can be freely determined. We propose to develop the car park from north to south.

Construction

The construction of the canopy is very simple. The flat wooden construction rests on white-painted round steel supports. The ceilings are stacked board ceilings (h = 20cm) with wooden edge beams (w/h= 20/40cm GL 24h). The roof waterproofing is positioned on a pitched roof-like slope and leads to the drainage points. Rainwater is channelled into the circular supports and fed into the forest pond via infiltration channels.

PV modules can be upgraded. The construction is designed for this.

Service area

The utilisation areas of the service area are clearly assigned and can also be clearly demarcated. The main access is from the east. The service rooms and two special rooms are positioned to the north of the distribution corridor. To the south - facing the square - is a space offering a flexible layout. The technical areas are located in the basement. These can also be customised as far as possible. The transformer rooms are easily accessible from the outside.

The exterior walls of the basement in contact with the ground are made of reinforced concrete. All the walls above ground - like the ceiling - are made of solid timber.

Open space

Parking: The car parking spaces are located along the north-eastern boundary of the property. The access road runs parallel to the local road with a gentle gradient of around 6%. Along the road, four rows of perpendicular parking spaces are arranged under roof overhangs and accompanied by loosely planted trees. A footpath stretches between the rows of parking spaces, leading westwards to the utility buildings. There, visitors will find washroom facilities and self-catering vending machines. An automated bike hire system allows guests to explore a route of approximately 6km around the Goldbergsee lake during a charging process lasting approximately one hour. There are information boards at the service point showing the surrounding sights and routes. For better orientation and identification with the KAESER PARK, a "K" is introduced as a route symbol for a circular route around the Goldbergsee lake.

North and north-west area: Separate entrances and exits with dedicated parking spaces and access to the service building for lorries are planned for the northern and north-western boundaries. The open spaces between the car parking and the service building extend to the south and form a spacious square that can also be used as an event area. In addition, the KAESER TOWER is located at the southern end of the site at the transition to the cycle path.

Observation tower and KAESER LEHRPFAD: The observation tower forms the centrepiece of KAESER PARK and offers attractive leisure activities. The tower also serves as a landmark and is visible from a great distance. The KAESER LEHRPFAD, which is accessible via a circular route, extends across the cycle path in the idea section. This trail includes educational stations on the subject of compressed air and teaches this in a fun way.

Natural elements: There is a lake to the north of the circuit, which is fed by surface water from the parking spaces. In the southern transition to the Hessenhof there is a clearing with play elements. The existing tree population will be preserved and extended by the KAESER WALD forest, which will act as a future CO2 reservoir. A bridge in the western part of the circular route provides a connection towards the recycling centre and construction company to create a direct link to the landscape.

Materials: In terms of the choice of material, the access roads will be designed with lightened asphalt, while the parking spaces will be paved with concrete block paved turf. The squares are also paved in concrete blocks, while the circular path through the KAESER WALD is a water-bound path.

Through this targeted design and integration of various elements, we create an inviting, educational and sustainable open space that inspires visitors to KAESER PARK and integrates them into nature.