Steam Blower House / Heinrich Böll Architect

Architects: Heinrich Böll BDA DWB
Location: Bochum, Germany
Client: NRW.Urban – Dortmund
Project year: 2010
Structural Engineer: Lederhose, Wittler & Partner, Dortmund
Mechanical Engineer: PSF, Witten
Photographs: Thomas Mayer

This building was originally built as a steam blower house which was part of a huge steel works in the very centre of the city of Bochum. It is one of the few remaining structures of the industrial era.

The building is situated adjacent to the “Jahrhunderthalle”, a huge industrial hall hosting theater and music performances. The steam blower house serves this big hall as a studio stage and provides storage room for stage equipment.

The architecture is designed to preserve as much as possible of the original atmosphere. Only a few elements have been added such as a new staircase and a huge glass façade to highlight the big studios.