Third prize

Author:
Titus Bernhard, Dipl. Ing.
Rainer Schmidt

Collaborators:
Mattias Svensson, Christian Hofer, Katharina Scharf, Lukas Bihler, Lin Tu

Technical planning:
Traffic planning SRP Schneider & Partner Ingenieur-Consult GmbH: Robert Männling

Assistants:
Artist/ Artwork on site: Felix Weinold
Architectural modeller: Beta Berec
Architectural images: Linus Meier

DECISION OF THE PRIZE JURY:

 

The work’s simple defining approach of two circles that integrate the required charging station functionality with the existing topography is a convincing piece of landscape art. All of the charging functionality is located within an initial, lower circle; the customer-service area and all associated functions provide an interface to the second circle, which opens out onto the landscape as a peaceful haven in which to take a break.

The charging points are arranged around circles formed by individual charging pillars that feature mushroom-like canopies. Their steel construction with a skin of air-filled ETFE cushions link back to the KAESER brand and are illuminated to create a landmark that is also visible at night. This effect does create a conflict between the nightscape and the concept of a nature park, however. Some of the canopies are also located within the no-cultivation zone alongside the state highway 2205.

The prize jury saw a conflict between the elaborate pedestrian access in the outer circle and the excessive development effort for the charging stations, which it believed would lead to difficulties in visitor acceptance. The paths leading to the service area could be routed more directly through the centre and be of a higher quality finish.

There are too few charging points for lorries and their arrangement requires manoeuvring that could have been avoided. There is also potential for improvement to the design of the rest areas located adjacent to the lorry parking spaces.

The jury praised the concept of an eco-pond as the central retention basin, but considered the high cost of connecting all carriageways to be excessive. Dedicating the internal carriageway to pedestrian traffic only, for example, would offer greater quality of stay and improved integration of this landscape element into visitors’ waiting time while their vehicles charge.

The phased construction realisation is demonstrated but unconvincing since the entire access requirement would need to be completed in the first phase. In the concept design, the integration of unused space with the existing green areas was pleasing, and the new cycle path follows the reconfigured landscape consistently. There was no reference to the nature protection zone to the west at all.

Overall, the work represents a valuable contribution and many areas are naturally resolved. The work is considered to be around the median in terms of economic feasibility but the effort for earthworks in relation to the creation of the form does not seem up to date.

 

Explanation of the design

Explanatory text

Theme

Our (the Kaeser) E-Circle is located in a heterogeneous environment characterised by less significant industrial and commercial buildings and numerous traffic routes, but with attractive surroundings such as the FFH & nature reserve and the Glenderwiese bird sanctuary.

The competition area is located in a heterogeneous environment characterised by less significant industrial and commercial buildings and numerous traffic routes. At the same time, attractive areas such as the FFH & nature reserve and the Glenderwiese bird sanctuary are located in the surrounding area.

In this context, the Kaeser E-Circle with its architecture of charging canopies forms a concise design standard with high recognition and identity as a trademark and figurehead in the region.

The circular level of the charging station is cut into the existing topography like a piece of "land art" and has a form-shaping effect. The public uses as well as the technical areas are laid out under the existing topography with a "pollinator meadow" as a green roof on the charging station, with the aim of maximising ecological diversity.

The charging station is located "underground" and does not appear as a separate structure.

At the centre of the 90m diameter Kaeser E-Circle (charging station), an eco-pond serves as a retention basin for the surface and roof water with corresponding upstream filter systems.

The parking spaces are water-permeable turf surfaces in order to achieve a water cycle.

The Kaeser E-Circle is connected from the northern access road via an avenue of trees and offers up to 56 potential EV charging spaces for cars under illuminated charging mushrooms, a further 4 charging spaces for motorhomes and caravans as well as an additional 20-50 free parking spaces, depending on the arrangement, as an outer ring (see pictograms).

In addition to the car-centric facilities, there is a second, south-facing circular incision, a recreational area with a service station for e-bikes. The e-charging stations for cyclists are located at the top, along the cycle path.

As an inclined level, it creates a connection to the cycle path and the recreational park to the west and provides sufficient lighting and a pleasant atmosphere for the underground self-service area and café as well as the outdoor terrace. The service station is also an information centre for visitors to the surrounding FFH & nature reserve, the Glenderwiese bird sanctuary, and is the starting point for hikes and short walks, as well as bike tours with rental bikes in the biodiverse natural landscapes.

Phased realisation / Function & Form

The concept can be implemented in phases and, depending on demand and increasing e-mobility, can be used step by step, mushroom by mushroom or in groups, taking into account a simultaneity factor of dual use for chargers and non-chargers. Serialised prefabrication also saves costs.

The radial arrangement is designed so that no traffic manoeuvring is required. Drivers can drive forwards into and out of charging bays. The canopies of the charging mushrooms are made from translucent film, while colour coding on the pillar provides a visual indication of the operating status.

As a manufacturer of compressors, Kaeser can operate and supply the pneumatic cushions using its own technology developed in-house.

The Kaeser E-Circle is a place of remembrance with radiance. “Tell the architecture.” Form and function complement each other.

Lorries are supplied directly along the access road and do not have to travel long distances across the site. Passenger vehicle, lorry and cycle traffic are all kept apart.

Both courtyards also offer places for relaxation and contemplation that are protected from noise thanks to their embedding in the topography.

The sealed area for the charging station is optimised with the circular shape.

Signing

The minimalist and clear architectural language is also reflected in the signage: the routing is intuitively comprehensible and vehicles drive around the e-circle in an anti-clockwise direction throughout. Free charging points are indicated by green LED strips at the top of the charging points, occupied ones by orange ones. The respective charge level can be read off the vertical scales on the column.

The canopies give off a pleasant white glow at night and create an iconic, unmistakable landmark that can be seen from the main road and motorway.

Spoke-shaped lines of light on the canopy and ceiling aligned with the imaginary centre of the circle lead into the service building and through to the terraced courtyard on the park side, creating a visual connection between the two sides of the building.

Ideas section

For the ideas section, we propose a recreation zone with children’s play, outdoor gym equipment, picnic facilities, sport zones and climbing facilities that can be used by visitors to the charging station as well as by Coburg’s citizens and young people.

The existing tree population and native plant additions, as well as the pollinator meadow, create valuable new feeding grounds and habitats. The variety of insect-friendly wild flowers promotes and supplements the populations. They also form a valuable link to the Glenderwiese nature reserve for flora and fauna.

The Christenstrasse cycle path is realigned along a curved route instead of the existing straight one and is integrated into the natural surroundings and the new activities on offer for young and old.

This also applies to large parts of the existing tree population.

There are rest areas with views of the town’s sights, Schloss Callenberg and Coburg Fortress. The Hessenhof will be integrated into the overall concept by means of connecting paths.

The edges are lined with a succession forest representing the various stages of development. Access paths connect the park, charging station and ideas section on a short circular route.

The overall concept of the charging station fulfils the needs of visitors: independent identity, nearby attractive leisure use, future-oriented and convenient charging. The result is a diversity of biotopes and ecosystems as well as ecosystem functions such as pollination and seed dispersal (ecological and functional diversity).

The new Kaeser E-Circle charging station strengthens the overall area as a place of emotion and plays a central role in integrating it into the attractive surroundings for all Coburg residents and visitors.