Darmstadtium, Convention center in Darmstadt, Germany
The Darmstadtium is a convention center near the old castle in Darmstadt, Germany. Its four stacked volumes with sloped glass surfaces rise to a point, while inside, flexible halls, a restaurant, a wine bar, and a rooftop terrace serve many kinds of events.
The building was completed in December 2007 after work that began in 2005, designed by the Viennese architect Talik Chalabi for the city and the technical university. During construction, workers uncovered remnants of a medieval tower and wall, which were kept and incorporated into the finished building.
The name was proposed in a competition by Peter Strehl of the GSI Helmholtz Centre and Christian Dindorf of the neighbouring TU Darmstadt, after the element darmstadtium. Room names follow the periodic table. During the Schlossgrabenfest the building serves as the operations centre for fire brigade, police and paramedics.
The main entrance is level with the street, and ramps and lifts connect all floors, so movement inside is easy for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. Large glazed areas let in daylight, and the central location next to the castle makes it simple to combine a visit with nearby historic streets.
The room names follow the periodic table, matching the building's name, which comes from the element darmstadtium proposed by Peter Strehl of the GSI Helmholtz Centre and Christian Dindorf of the neighbouring TU Darmstadt. The restored original of the Darmstadtia is kept inside. During the Schlossgrabenfest the centre serves as the operations base for fire brigade, police and paramedics.
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