FAIR – Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research, Darmstadt

The search for small building blocks of matter requires large experimental facilities. The international accelerator center FAIR, one of the largest research projects worldwide, is currently being built in Darmstadt. With FAIR, matter is created and researched in the laboratory in a way that otherwise only occurs in the universe.

The large research complex is located on a site covering about twenty hectares. Portions of the radiation corridor are enclosed in earthen structures up to fifteen meters high. The intertwined ion-optical layout results in a modeled terrain that blends harmoniously into the landscape and yet follows strict physical laws.

The relief-strong modeling poses correspondingly high challenges. For example, the design of the access network, which has to be led up to the inner plateau for transporting and bringing in gigantic machines. Or the greening of the four-hectare roofscape, which merges with the terrain via steep slopes. Because as a result of the design concept, the huge research complex in the forest is to become part of an attractive cultural landscape again.