FAIR Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research, Darmstadt, Germany
© ion42
The Darmstadt based FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) intends to build an international accelerator facility. The architectural practices DGI Bauwerk, Berlin, and schneider+schumacher, Frankfurt, were able to convince those responsible that they could deliver the optimal design and realization. This new joint venture is called ion42, an expression derived from physics as well as literature; an ion being a central element of the scientific work of FAIR, and “42” being the famous “Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything” from the book “Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy” by Douglas Adams.
A total of 20 buildings for experiments, laboratories and plant rooms are being built. They will serve an underground accelerator ring of 1,100 m diameter. On an area of almost 150,000 m2 GFA the scientists will research matter, the origin of the universe and its development.
© ion42, D. Fehrenz, GSI/FAIR
c ion42/GSI-FAIR
© ion42
© ion42
© ion42
© ion42
© ion42
© ion42
Some impressions from the construction site
Getting technical: The compressor hall will house technical support for cryogenics – a technique for generating exceptionally cold temperatures. Here, at minus 270 degrees Celsius … freezing! This low temperature is needed to keep the magnets cool, in order to improve particle control.
© Norbert Miguletz
Our Ring Tunnel T110. The earth excavated here will eventually be back-filled.
© Norbert Miguletz
There are two of these access buildings on site. They enable scientists to quickly reach the Ring lying 20 metres below ground level.
© Norbert Miguletz
An air-duct penetrates the concrete slab via a flange arrangement.
© Norbert Miguletz
Tunnel with improvised air-duct.
© Norbert Miguletz
Counterweights at the base of the rotating tower crane.
© Norbert Miguletz
Evening ambiance in excavation pit no. 11, and delivery ramp.
© Norbert Miguletz
Our master crane on site.
© Norbert Miguletz
The intersection building viewed from above – in principle it functions like a motorway intersection.
© Norbert Miguletz
Not 007, but building number 004.
© Norbert Miguletz
You need a good head for heights here!
© Norbert Miguletz
Crane number 18.
© Norbert Miguletz
Diverse ‘building props’: temporarily required load-bearing or supportive auxiliary structures needed to complete a building phase on site.
© Norbert Miguletz
Neatly stacked: Formwork and scaffolding on site.
© Norbert Miguletz
Terrain is characterised by its pattern of stratification. This picture shows the terrain around M8 where material is continuously being delivered and excavated.
© Norbert Miguletz
| Construction time / duration |
2008 - approximately 2025 |
| Project type |
Research facility |
| Client |
Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research in Europe GmbH, Darmstadt |
| Architects |
ion42 (DGI Bauwerk and schneider+schumacher) |
