Daniel Libeskind presents preliminary design for Albert Einstein Discovery Center in Ulm
On the evening of November 24, the time had come: world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind presented his long-awaited preliminary design for the Albert Einstein Discovery Center in Ulm to the public. With its bold silhouette, whose curved lines echo Einstein’s physical theories, and impressive dimensions that fill the available space, the building attracts everyone’s attention. The idea of erecting an architectural monument to the most famous scientist of all time in the city of his birth has been a complete success with this outstanding sight. The guests at the accompanying evening event also agreed that such an imposing yet elegant building would be a real asset to the city of Ulm and a fitting tribute to its world-famous son and his findings. Parallel to the closed event, all Ulm residents (and New Ulm residents) were also able to get an idea of Daniel Libeskind’s plans on the Danube – the designs were staged in the middle of the river with a spectacular projection on a water wall and thus brought closer to the urban community. The event was sponsored by LIQUI MOLY.
A place that inspires young people to become the next Einstein – this is how Daniel Libeskind describes his vision for the planned Albert Einstein Discovery Center in Ulm. His recently unveiled design for the building, in which the findings of the physics genius are to be brought to life, impressively demonstrates how scientific theory and architectural practice can be combined. “My aim is to create a space that is as imaginative as Einstein’s theories. I want to create a building that is closely linked to Einstein’s thoughts and that encourages discovery,” Libeskind explains his intention. The general theory of relativity in particular, which imagines space as a flexible and elastic structure, is therefore reflected in the design of the preliminary draft. As visitors move through the space, new, surprising perspectives will constantly unfold, visually conveying the interaction of space and time.
Design and dimensions make an impression
Another design principle that Daniel Libeskind derives directly from Einstein is the so-called ‘saddle point’: a point that is minimized in one direction and maximized in the other. This concept allows the building to grow organically from one place and relates it to its surroundings. “We were all very impressed by the design and we are looking forward to implementing the project together with Studio Libeskind and our supporters,” says Nancy Hecker-Denschlag, Chairwoman of the Albert Einstein Discovery Center Ulm e.V.
The design also makes an impression in terms of its dimensions: with a floor area of 2,500 square meters, a gross floor area of 7,800 square meters (over five floors) and a maximum height of 50 meters, the building makes full use of the available space. There are also technical rooms in the basement and an underground parking garage. Located on the site of the former headquarters of Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm (SWU), the sight will enrich the city in just a few years. “We are delighted that the city of Ulm is providing such a prominent location on one of the main access routes to the city center. The main challenge now is to allow the building, with its piazza and sustainable landscaping, to enter into a dialog with the public space,” says Daniel Libeskind.
Further steps
In the coming weeks and months, the planning will now be fleshed out and a cost estimate prepared. A possible timetable for realization will also be discussed with SWU Stadtwerke Ulm/Neu-Ulm and the city of Ulm. At the same time, with the support of Daniel Libeskind and with the help of the preliminary design and the model, the association intends to expand its search for major sponsors in Ulm as well as nationally and internationally, particularly in the USA.
