Redesign of the surroundings of the Neanderthal Museum, Mettmann From the simple

The Neanderthal Museum impresses with its special, memorable architecture. However, the actual potential of the site is far from exhausted! Thus, the museum lacks an appropriate environment - a framework that refers to the surrounding landscape and finds its scale and origin in it. In order to create this framework, only the existing brooks, the forest-like tree population and the rock formations must be uncovered again and made experiencable in their originality. Against this background, the actual design is deliberately restrained. The design language remains discreet and unpretentious - its power lies in its "simplicity".
With the dismantling of artificial fixtures and overformations, nature and the landscape once again come to the fore. The forest-like tree population is brought out like a passe-partout. While some woody plants are to be cleared on the northern side, the fringe along the country road is completed. In this way, the image of a forest clearing gradually emerges. The road and the neighbouring hotel building recede into the background. The museum literally receives new free space. The solitaire comes into its own again in "its" clearing.
In order to strengthen the landscape theme, the pathways and plazas are kept to a minimum. By linking the existing destination points of the museum and the site, as well as the regional railway station and the car park, a coherent network of paths is created, which is focused on the forecourt of the museum. In addition to the playground, other important connecting points include the link to the Stone Age workshop, the art trail and the game reserve, as well as the path to the Hochdahl S-Bahn station. In order to make the journey by regional train even more attractive, the pedestrian connection to the station will be expanded.