2007 - Messe Essen

Issue 2.2007 www.messe­essen.de
ESSEN
THE MAGAZINE FROM MESSE ESSEN
AFFAIRS
Messe 2012
Initial ideas for renovation measures
rÜttenscHeider strasse
The longest mile in the city
Under
constrUction
An industry on the move

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Dr Joachim Henneke in the Messe Essen Galeria.
In the background: the glass art window Energy
by the artist Jörg Immendorff.
dear reader,
The new Essen already exists
virtually: in computer simulations,
in models and on websites.
Over the coming years, in
a real and tangible manner, we
will experience how these impressive
building projects change the face of our city. Over a
billion euros will be invested in Essen in the space of a few years.
On Limbecker Platz, one of the largest German shopping centres
is being created; Thyssen Krupp is returning to its home
city once again with a new city block; E.ON Ruhrgas, another
global player, is opening a new chapter in its company history
with corporate headquarters directly across from Messe Essen;
and the new Museum Folkwang will be the focus of world attention,
even when the Capital of Culture year 2010 is over. .
Meanwhile, essen now carries its title “the largest construction
site in europe” with pride. Ultimately, these
projects are proof of the attractiveness of the Ruhr metropolis,
and also of how large construction projects can promote the
development of a city. And at Messe Essen, we also have major
plans. “Messe 2012” is our vision for the extensive refurbishment
of the fairgrounds. We are pleased that the Supervisory
Board has been extremely open to our planned modernisation
project.
However, construction is not just the major point in
essen. After all, the energy and climate debates have led to
rapid changes for the building industry around the world. Our
industry report describes the political, economic and technical
challenges that lay ahead – and shows how innovative companies
are profiting from the upheavals. They will be presenting their
latest innovations at the beginning of next year in Essen: at
DEUBAU in January and SHK in March.
I hope you enjoy reading our magazine.
Best regards,
Dr Joachim Henneke
Chairman and CEO of
Messe Essen GmbH
editorial | 3

4 | contents
30
8
34
16
20

iMprint
3 Editorial
by Dr Joachim Henneke
5 Imprint
6 News
from Messe Essen and the city
title story
8 Smart construction
An entire industry is on the move
10 “A question of priorities”
Engelbert Kortmann, Chairman of the
Foundation for Building Culture, on
quality construction and his visions for
the future
13 The largest construction site
in Europe
Overview of the most important
construction projects in Essen
16 A dialogue between specialists
DEUBAU and SHK 2008
Messe essen
18 Messe 2012
Ideas for the future
20 Forty years on four wheels
Portrait: four people who have a special
relationship with Essen Motor Show
Publisher: Messe Essen GmbH, Postfach 100165,
45001 Essen, Germany www.messe­essen.de
Editorial responsibilities:
Stefan Hannen, Director of Corporate Communication,
Messe Essen
Project management: Andreas John, Messe Essen
Managing editor: Jens Poggenpohl (VVA)
Art direction: Tamara Bobanac (VVA)
Layout: Sonja Loy (VVA)
Editorial team: Corinna Danielzik, Gabriele von Graes,
Michael Herdemerten, Jennifer Lischewski (Messe Essen),
Sara Dörnemann, Melanie Heider, Peter Erik Hillenbach,
Dirk Maertens, Anja Martin (VVA)
Picture editors: Luis Emilio Pantaleon, Jens Peters, Frank
Schuberth (VVA)
Picture credits: Rainer Schimm, Messe Essen GmbH;
K+S Studios, Essen (unless otherwise credited)
Title image: Anja Steinmann
Realisation / overall production: VVA Kommunikation GmbH,
Theodor­Althoff­Strasse 39, 45133 Essen, Germany www.vva.de
Print run: 17,000
Date of publication: 26 October 2007
24 Game lovers underway
SPIEL celebrates its 25th anniversary
25 Current events
Mode Heim Handwerk, Body & Health,
Art & Antique
26 The sky’s the limit in the Middle Kingdom
REIFEN CHINA is Messe Essen’s third project
on the Asian market
28 Stars of self-service
The success story of KIOSK EUROPE EXPO
30 The return of the princess
Holiday on Ice returns to the Grugahalle with
a new show
32 Calendar
All the dates at a glance
essen
34 Loveparade 2007
Impressions of the biggest party of the year
36 The longest mile in the city
The “Rü” is Essen’s culinary high street
38 An unbelievable workhorse
Obituary of Prof. Dr Jörg Immendorff
39 Contest
Win tickets for Mamma Mia! and the
GOP Varieté-Theater
contents | 5

6 | neWs
bike & business
Motorcycling pros mingle
bike & business (12 to 14 October) is dedicated to commer-
cial activities in the motorcycle trade. The central focus
here is direct and personal contact between workshop owners,
suppliers and manufacturers in the motorcycle industry.
Well-known exhibitors presented their products, with hourly
lectures on current topics supplementing the fair programme.
www.bike­business­messe.de
sun invest
Sunny première
A summer cottage on the Baltic Sea? Office space in Dubai?
A retirement home in Egypt? At the première of Sun Invest
from 19 to 21 October, visitors gained extensive information
on the world of international second homes.
Some 12,000 properties in 20 countries were offered by over
70 exhibitors, at prices ranging from 30,000 to 5 million
euros. Experts provided potential buyers with tips on
purchasing homes abroad: from negotiations and contract
signing to international tax regulations.
www.sun­invest.com
schweissen & schneiden russia
Russia’s newest industry rendezvous
Satisfied exhibitors, interested visitors, convinced experts: the première of
Schweissen & Schneiden Russia in Moscow from 28 to 31 May 2007, was a
major success, exceeding the expectations of 123 exhibitors from 14 countries.
“A foundation for stable growth has been put in place,” summed up Messe Essen
and its partner, the German Association for Welding and Associated Procedures
(DVS). Exhibitors and industry experts were also unanimous: “It will certainly
become the new industry meeting point for the highly dynamic market in Russia.”
Exhibitors were particularly enthusiastic about the high number of qualified
visitors.
And not only were the two fair halls fully booked. Some 350 participants took
part in the two-day trade conference on the future of welding technology –
a full-capacity house for the conference organised by DVS and NACS (Russian
Association for Non-destructive Testing and Welding). The innovation forum,
organised by the Association for International Welding Technology (GSI), and
the pilot workshop also made one thing clear: the Russian specialists’ need for
information is enormous.
In the wake of Beijing Essen Welding and Schweissen & Schneiden India, the
third spin-off of the Essen global fair Schweissen & Schneiden has thus gained
a strong foothold. The second Schweissen & Schneiden Russia will take place
from 26 to 29 May 2008, once again in Moscow.
www.schweissen­schneiden­russia.com
essen Weeks of light
Northern glow
For the 58th time, Essen Weeks of Light will get underway with a bang:
let there be light! Under this year’s motto “Europe in Essen”, Norway will
be showcased during the light extravaganza. From 28 October 2007 to 5
January 2008, eight 9 x 6 m light panels and the 30 x 12 m entry display
will present dazzling impressions from Europe’s north. “In a marvellously
delicate way, the European concept has been ushered into the city with
Weeks of Light,” observed Essen’s Lord Mayor Dr Wolfgang Reiniger.
Weeks of Light is organised by Essen Marketing GmbH; co-sponsors of the
cultural programme are the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Berlin and E.ON
Ruhrgas AG.
www.lichtwochen.essen.de
Photo: Peter Wieler, Essen Marketing GmbH

art exhibition
“The Copperfield of painting”
The paintings of Joachim Czichon are full of mysteries,
numbers and innuendos. At the opening of the new exhibit
at Messe Essen, art historian Alexandra Iwan described Joachim
Czichon as “the David Copperfield of painting”. Czichon,
born in 1952 in Pokoj, Poland, has called his paintings
“open figurations” – places where inner feelings oscillate and
meet with outside realities. The multi-award-winning works
can be viewed until 9 March 2008 in Messehaus Ost.
41st state Media Ball
An enchanted evening
Without doubt, it is one of the highlights of the North
Rhine-Westphalia social calendar: the State Media Ball.
This year, the ball will take place on 2 November 2007 – for
the 41st time and for the ninth time in the Grugahalle. Guests
can look forward to an enchanted evening in an awe-inspiring
environment, sample haute cuisine and enjoy music until the
early morning hours. Swing legend Paul Kuhn will provide the
music, accompanied by the Willi Ketzer Band. And in keeping
with the proud tradition of the State Media Ball, the evening
will benefit a good cause. All proceeds will be donated to
German Cancer Aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe), whose goodwill
ambassador, the TV presenter Annika de Buhr, will MC the
evening’s entertainment.
www.landesmedienball­nrw.de
Photo: Frank Schuberth,VVA
initiative for the ruhr area
Ambassador for the region
The Initiativkreis Ruhrgebiet
(Initiative for the Ruhr Area)
has been acting as ambassador
for the region since 1998,
supervising symbolic projects
which promote distinguishing
characteristics of the Ruhr area, thus enabling it to look strongly, competently
and self-confidently towards Europe. With its commitment, the
group has initiated structural change in the Ruhr region, playing a key role
in improving the region’s image. Since 1 July 2007, Messe Essen has been
one of 64 international companies actively supporting the efforts of the
initiative.
Komcom première in essen
IT for the public sector
neWs | 7
The new KOMCOM location of Essen is the source of positive resonance
amongst the public. Over 2,800 guests visited the Essen fairgrounds on
18 and 19 September, gaining information on the latest IT developments in
the public sector. One of them was Essen Mayor Annette Jäger (pictured
second from left), accompanied by Reinhard Pass, SPD Leader in Essen
City Council (left). The exhibitors gained numerous qualified contacts, and
the visitors were highly impressed: 78 per cent of those surveyed evaluated
the exhibitor offerings as good to very good.
www.komcom.de

Photo: Keystone
8 | title ConstruCtion

The Chrysler Building
Built in New York in 1930.
At 319 metres, it was briefly
the tallest building in the
world. At “Sand World 2003”
in Travemünde, a giant sand
sculpture was created in the
skyscraper’s image – not
nearly as high, but just as
impressive in its own way.
Smart construction
Capricious weather, long debates and a bit of legislation known as the “Energy Efficiency
Standards”: climate protection is turning the construction industry inside out –
and not only in Germany. Our industry report shows that inventiveness and creativity
pay off in the long run, rewarding innovative companies.
Floods, forest fires and hurricanes in the midst of
temperate Europe? The climate is playing tricks – and
this does more to promote the need for climate protection
than a public campaign could ever accomplish.
When daffodils bloom at the end of February and the
thermometer rises to 30° C in April, these function as
much clearer indications than melting polar caps located
thousands of miles away and barely perceptible rises in
sea levels. Protecting the climate is what everybody is
talking about – and the consequences are sure to follow.
The largest protection package of all time
There’s hardly a government that hasn’t taken up
the cause of the environment. Let’s look at Germany:
after the summer recess, the grand coalition pieced together
the largest German climate protection package
of all time. What’s more, it has used its European Union
Council Presidency to push the importance of the topic
within the international arena. And the phrase “Energy
Efficiency Standards” (EnEV) is no longer getting
muddled in public proclamations. Each new version of
the standard raises the level somewhat higher. Ultimately,
these voluntary commitments to reduce CO2
emissions hope to achieve some ambitious targets: a 20
per cent reduction in emissions by 2012, 40 per cent by
2020.
In the process, the construction trade is increasingly
being focused on, as a fifth of the carbon dioxide
emissions in Germany are attributable to this
industry. Building heat alone accounts for a third of the
overall energy consumption in the country. Amongst
all consumer sectors, this one promises the largest
single contribution to the cause. Thus climate protection
is turning an entire industry inside out – requiring
innovative energy-saving technology, better insulation,
more tightly sealed windows and the use of solar
and geothermal heat. The current EnEV guidelines
stipulate 30 per cent more efficiency. The German Environment
Minister, Sigmar Gabriel, has announced
his intention of doubling this target during the next �
title | 9

Photo: Jens Peters,VVA
10 | title ConstruCtion
essen aFFairs: With its establishment
convention of 21 September
2007, the Foundation for Building Culture
has now begun its work. Why does
Germany need this foundation?
engelbert Kortmann: There have been
erroneous trends in the field of construction
over the past few decades. Uncontrolled
development and urban sprawl on
the edges of large metropolitan areas and
the uniformity of detached and semi­detached
houses are certainly not signs of good
building culture. Public buildings have also
suffered due to a lack of maintenance and
upkeep. Necessary renovations have been
postponed or cancelled due to the scarcity
of public funds. At the same time, budget
estimates function as a kind of stone pit for
financial officers – if the need to reorganise
a budget arises, necessary maintenance
measures are frequently shifted. What’s
more, the entire industry – planners, contracting
authorities, tradesmen – has lost
its credibility due to scandals, manipula tion,
cost overruns and corruption. All this has
led to an enormous image loss. The public
no longer sees construction as something
that contributes to quality of life, but rather
as a necessary evil. This is why a foundation
– as an independent body – can
point to misguided developments and promote
positive counter­examples.
Germany still has the largest construction
volume in Europe. What are some
other national characteristics?
The contract work trades are more strongly
separated here – a system based on the
traditional trade guilds. While this has led to
a high degree of specialisation, its complexity
makes things difficult for smaller building
projects. If you want to renovate an 8­m²
bathroom, you wind up working with eight
different tradesmen. And for larger projects,
you will need 15, or even 40, specialised
tradesmen. The organisation and coordination
complexity undermines the advantages
of specialisation. However, one can observe
a new trend in renovation and modernisation,
at least for buildings divided into smaller
sections – which is once again leading us
to a more holistic approach. Ultimately, a
uniform voice is missing for current construction.
In our foundation alone, 40 boards,
federations and other associations are represented.
On a positive note, we’ve succeeded
for the first time in bringing all the various
groups together to a single table.
Advise, assist, promote: is that the programmatic
triad of the Foundation?
I wouldn’t want to anticipate the work of
the executive committee. With the Act on
“A question of priorities”
engelbert Kortmann (61), chairman of the newly
established Foundation for Building culture, on
quality construction, German industry characteristics
and his visions for the future.
Foundations and Funds, German legislators
have placed a set of tasks before the
executive committee. These range from
generating public awareness on the importance
of building culture to creating a
platform for exporting building and planning
services abroad.
Is sustainability the new criterion for
good quality?
Not sustainability alone, and let’s keep in
mind that not all criteria can be de scribed
objectively. However, in my opinion, sustainability
is a central quality standard for
the field of construction. A building that
only lasts 20 years shouldn’t be considered
a prime example of building culture. Good
quality will last – and poor quality will be
torn down again. In addition to sustainability,
there are other important criteria, such
as the building design and its technical
execution and equipment.
Which social factors will determine
the outcome of the quality debates?
Currently, we can observe two megatrends:
the energy debate and demographic change.
The energy debate concerns the technical
aspects, the handling of resources and the
use of materials. For its part, demographic
change will lead to vacant buildings and an
increased number of buildings being torn
down. Poorly designed and constructed
buildings will ultimately lead to vacancies,
and vacancies have a negative effect on the
surrounding neighbourhood. For this reason,
property owners will recognise that
they have to build high­quality real estate
and are increasingly taking a critical view of
what is happening in their neighbourhoods.
After all, location is still the most important
factor in terms of a property’s value – and
this always depends on the surrounding
urban environment. Both of these trends,
environmental consciousness and demographic
change, will ultimately promote the
quality of future construction – this is one
thing I am sure of.
What kinds of opportunities do we
have for living better in the future?
In Germany, we can experience building
culture in everyday life. We see evidence of
this in historical cities – Heidelberg or Rothenburg
ob der Tauber are just two examples.
The fact that so many tourists gain
inspiration from new architecture in Berlin
is also a positive sign. One thing is clear,
construction and residential life are competing
against other commodities, such as
cars, travel, fashion. Ultimately, what the
consumer decides to spend money on is a
question of his or her individual priorities.
phase. The Federal Government plans to invest 2.6 billion
euros next year for climate protection alone. “In
addition to the demographic change, the energy debate
is part of a megatrend in the building industry,”
says Engelbert Kortmann, Chairman of the Foundation
for Building Culture (see interview).
“As many holes as Swiss cheese”
In addition to government aid and subsidies, investments
in a better future should make the Energy Performance
Certificate palatable for the construction
industry. This will become obligatory, in stages from July
of next year, for structural alteration works. The certificate
has already been in force for the past five years for
new properties, stipulating exactly how eco-friendly the
home is for the environment – as well as for the wallet of
the resident. The certificate must be included in the
official documentation when selling or renting properties
– and it has been designed to function according to
the “refrigerator principle”. Here, units whose consumption
levels are in the red range also have a lower market
value. The Energy Performance Certificate could drive
property owners to carry out modernisation to avoid
their property having bad marks – particularly as the
appendix already lists all the practical measures that
need to be carried out.
The potential for energy-saving modernisation or
retrofitting is large. After all, three quarters of all
existing buildings were built before 1985, and are,
therefore, in need of refurbishment – that is, if the owners
haven’t already undertaken renovation work.
Without exploiting the carbon dioxide and energysavings
potential of existing buildings, the EU and Federal
Republic of Germany’s climate targets will never
be attainable, according to the Federal Environment
Minister. “Compared with the state-of-the-art technology
available today,” says Sigmar Gabriel, “most buil-

dings have as many holes as Swiss cheese – from an
energy efficiency standpoint.”
Under the German CO2 building renovation programme,
as many as 265,000 properties were modernised
in 2006. And a total of 1.5 billion euros were
invested in price reductions for credits and repayment
subsidies. Also 9.4 billion euros were promised to
structural refurbishment clients from the Reconstruction
Loan Corporation; investments amounting to 11
billion euros were activated. Not a bad state of affairs.
“Based on our past experience, for every billion euros
invested, 25,000 jobs are either created or secured,”
says Stefan Kohler, Executive Director of the German
Energy Agency (dena). “At the same time, experts now
predict investment requirements of 30 to 40 billion
euros.” �
title | 11
With 2,000 tons of sand,
24 artists from 12 countries
and 12 days of work: in May
2007, “The Magic of Egypt”
was created on the beach of
Le Toquet in France.
Photo: Eyedea

Photo: actionpress
12 | title ConstruCtion
The ancient lighthouse
of Alexandria was one of
the Seven Wonders of the
World. Several earthquakes
destroyed it at the end of
the 14th century. The artist
Andreas Georg-Dechart
recreated the lighthouse in
2003, on the beach of
Travemünde.
Conflicting surveys
Rosy forecasts. But will the market revive? After the
2006 boom year, the effects of which were still felt in the
first quarter of 2007, the building industry has faltered:
incoming orders for domestic construction were 4.1 per
cent less during the first six months of the year, as compared
with the same period last year. Without question,
the VAT increase and cancellation of the Federal First
Home Buyer’s Allowance have negatively affected the
home construction market. For instance, the number of
building permits for detached and semi-detached homes
dwindled during the first half of the year by more than
50 per cent. The industry has thus set its hopes on the
area of “modernisation”, which has already attained a
60 per cent share of overall construction volume.
But the largest uncertainty factor in the calculation
is the consumer. Can the appetite for refurbishment
on the part of property developers and homeowners be
stimulated? According to a survey conducted by Emnid
(one of the largest German opinion research centres)
on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Transport,
Construction and Urban Development, only 15 per
cent of those surveyed were aware of the savings potential
through renovations. The survey reveals that 64
per cent underestimate the positive effect to one’s own
wallet; studies show that a homeowner can save nearly
half of current heating costs with an energy-based modernisation.
On the positive side, according to a TNT
questionnaire completed for Spiegel magazine, 73 per
cent of those surveyed are prepared to take over the
costs of a modernisation.
If homeowners plug the holes stipulated by the
Federal Environment Minister, the insulation industry
should be the first to profit. This already grew by ten per
cent last year, and even reported delivery bottlenecks in
some areas. In point of fact, more than half of state
subsidies have been channelled into various forms of
thermal insulation. Stock analysts have evaluated the

sector’s leading manufacturers as the true winners of
support programmes for energy-based renovations,
and are talking about two-digit growth rates. For instance,
Saint-Gobain Isover estimated a sales increase
of 14 per cent for the 2006 financial year, and also predicted
ongoing market growth of up to six per cent.
Heat pumps in the royal household
Without question, the heating sector is set to profit
from market shifts – yet one still hears complaints
about a refurbishment backlog. The Bundesindustrieverband
Deutschland Haus-, Energie- und Umwelttechnik
e.V. (BDH) has estimated that currently only
ten per cent of all central-heating boilers are of a modern
standard. But consumers are still hesitant. “Citizens
are becoming increasingly confused. On the one hand,
constantly rising oil and gas prices are being predicted.
On the other hand, politicians are debating whether
energy-saving measures and climate protection are too
expensive,” says Klaus Jesse, BDH President. Nevertheless,
the industry experienced higher returns over
the past year than had been originally forecast. Here,
after hitting a low point in 2005, the market grew by
four per cent. The industry is currently undergoing
radical restructuring, and now plans to implement
energy more efficiently by gradually replacing fossil
fuels. For instance, condensing boiler technology has
already established itself on national markets, achieving
nearly 100 per cent efficiency factors. Forward-looking
providers now unanimously believe that solar energy
should become an integral part of any system. In this
way, solar energy is increasingly being combined with
oil or gas condensing boilers, pellet heating systems and
heat pumps, and the solar power technology industry
has registered growth rates of 58 per cent.
Geothermal heating is the younger sister of the
solar power technology industry, and it is currently
enjoying considerable success. In 2006, in North- �
Photos: ECE
The largest construction site
title | 13
Not only as the future 2010 Capital of Culture is Essen setting new
benchmarks in the Ruhr region. The Ruhr metropolis is undergoing a
profound transformation – and is now considered the largest construction
site in Europe. After all, a complex series of building projects, in
which, according to estimates, a billion euros will be invested by the year
2010, are acting as a catalyst for change. Probably the most ambitious
project is located at Limbecker Platz. Here, Arcandor (formerly known
as KarstadtQuelle) is building a shopping mall that is highly unique in
Germany. Its 70,000 m² are spread across three and a half levels – and
these will offer visitors not only unlimited shopping opportunities but a
wide range of restaurants. The façade alone, designed by the architectural
office Henn, in Bonn, speaks for the building’s unique character: its
lines are reminiscent of a dress swinging from side to side. ECE GmbH.
& Co. KG and Union Investment have taken over project management for
the shopping centre. The building will cost some 300 million euros – a
worthwhile investment, according to Essen’s mayor Wolfgang Reiniger:
“I believe I am justified in calling this project a work of the century. It will
ignite the development of the entire city centre.” Construction, which
began in May 2006, will be completed in the autumn of 2009.
In the autumn of 2007, construction also got underway on the new
Folkwang Museum. Spread over a total of 17,500 m², the museum will
showcase international-level art
exhibitions in a highly suitable
framework for the Capital of Culture
year 2010 – thanks to a major
donation from the Krupp Foundation
under Chairman Dr
Berthold Beitz. The foundation
has donated the 55-million-euros
building to the city – and the Brit ish star architect David Chipperfield
has been brought on board for the design. Construction of the Thyssen-
Krupp Quartier, which is already underway, is also set to lend Essen a
new sheen. “We are actively partic i pating in structural and image
changes in the Ruhr region,” says ThyssenKrupp AG CEO, Dr Ekkehard
Schulz. The blueprints, co-designed by the architectural offices Chaix &
Morel et Associés, Paris, and JSWD Architekten und Partner, Cologne,
will be implemented by the year 2010 for an estimated 200 million euros.
When completed, the building will not only feature ample office space,
but also a hotel and the ThyssenKrupp Academy, the globally prominent
advanced training centre for executive managers of the corporation.
The new corporate headquarters of E.ON Ruhrgas AG will also feature
stunningly unique architecture. Based on the blueprints of JSK Architects,
Düsseldorf, the new 100-million-euros building (located directly
across from the Essen fairgrounds) is truly awe-inspiring: a transparent,
five-storey wing, a 15-storey twin high-rise and an underground car
park. The new building will offer enough space for some 2,000 employees.
Construction will get underway at the end of 2007, allowing the new
headquarters to be occupied at the end of 2009. One thing is already
certain: these four projects are changing the face of Essen – and
strengthening the city’s role as an economic and cultural centre.

14 | title ConstruCtion
Rhine-Westphalia alone, nearly 9,000 heat pumps
were installed, almost doubling the overall number
currently in use. Across the country, growth rates of up
to 140 per cent are being forecast. Heat pumps have
become so popular with customers that the number of
new installations this year is set to exceed the total
number in Sweden, the model country for the sector.
Currently in Sweden, the market share lies at 90 per
cent for newly built detached homes, and even the royal
household is heated in this fashion.
The current acquisition targets of industry giants
show just how lucratively strategists judge the energysaving
heating technology sector to be. Danfoss, for
example, has declared its goal of becoming Europe’s
leading manufacturer of heat pumps; by mid-2007 it
had already acquired five producers in the sector.
Viessmann has set its current takeover focus on manufacturers
of wood-burning boilers. The controlled ventilation
of living space also yields energy-saving potential.
This system no longer releases the warmth into the
atmosphere, but redirects into the fresh air via heat
exchangers. This has become a concept which no energy-efficient
home can do without.
Inventiveness is rewarded
When investments in the future pay off, innovative
enterprises are rewarded. At present, inventiveness and
resourcefulness are in demand. For its part, Siemens
currently spends half of its 5.7 billion euros research
budget on climate protection projects. A glimpse into the
industry shows what smart minds have invented. For
example, every ray of sun that shines on façades and
windows without being utilised squanders energy. The
key phrase here is building integration – which means
semi-transparent photovoltaic cells, which are integrated
into the glass, covering façades and replacing
sun-shade systems. For instance, Schüco recently formed
a partnership with the E.ON Group at two locations
The Taj Mahal at
Berlin’s Central Station?
In 2007, the Indian artist
Sudarsan Pattnaile created
this homage to one of the
most beautiful examples
of Islamic art in the German
capital.
in Germany to develop and produce thin-film technology
for a broader market. Flexible solar modules are currently
in production: in Frankfurt/Oder, the new firm
Odersun Fotovoltaik is using copper strips. And instead
of mounting solar collectors as boxes, solar power technology
can now be integrated invisibly into metal roofs
using systems such as those marketed by Rheinzink.
The struggle for lower “U-values” (i.e., for better insulation)
has led to an increasing number of building blocks
being “filled” – no air chamber remains unused. A speciality
product here is aerated concrete stone, such as that
offered by H+H: thanks to mini balls of wax, it achieves
double the energy storage capacity at the same thickness.
And those who build walls from spectacular “light-transmitting
concrete”, manufactured by Finacon or Luccon,
can light up their interiors without integrating windows.
Sensational heat conductance values
Another new product in the insulation sector is causing
a sensation: vacuum isolation panels (VIPs), such as
those offered by Porextherm and Variotec, achieve
phenomenal heat conductance values. VIPs offer several
times the performance of the best insulation materials –
they are five to ten times thinner yet offer the same levels
of insulation – and function similar to a thermos
flask.
Instead of lamenting the state of affairs, the industry
is thus reacting with inventiveness and innovation.
Finally, the engineers seem to be saying, we can
once again reinvent the wheel. Enterprises are in vesting
heavily in research. In this way, the fight against
climate change could not only spur growth in the
con struction industry, but also spark off more innovative
and intelligent technology. And this technology
is something that we will profit from – even when it has
long since been taken for granted that buildings can
also prove themselves in terms of their energy-saving
capabilities. �

title | 15
Photo: imago

16 | trade Fair deubau/sHK
A dialogue between specialists
A leap in exhibitor numbers, larger exhibition spaces, a range of new companies:
DEUBAU and SHK are beating the drum for their respective industries.
Around 750 companies
presented their latest innovations
at DEUBAU 2006.
And this number will be
topped at the latest instalment
of Germany’s largest
construction trade fair from
8–12 January 2008.
“We sense strong momentum,” says Dr Joachim
Henneke, CEO of Messe Essen. And this particularly
applies for DEUBAU 2008. Already three months ahead
of the international construction trade fair, all signs
points to the fact that DEUBAU, which will once again
take place from 8–12 January 2008 at Messe Essen, is
growing in every category. And with increasing momen -
tum, the number of exhibitors is set to top 2006 participant
levels. At that time, 750 companies presented
their latest innovations. Amongst the firms currently
signed up for DEUBAU 2008 is a wide range of new
exhibitors. Many of the exhibitors plan to increase the
size of their exhibition stands considerably. “Currently,
the motto seems to be a loud drumbeat instead of a
string quartet,” observes Joachim Henneke.
“The switch is on,” says Dr Rüdiger Vogel, Managing
Director of Saint-Gobin Weber GmbH and Chairman of
the DEUBAU Advisory Board, in describing the commercial
situation. For the first time since 2000, all the
leading indicators point to a plus for the year 2007. And
the effects of the economic upswing will continue
during the “DEUBAU year” 2008.

However, the DEUBAU organisers are not merely content
to benefit from the buoyant mood. They are actively
contributing to the upward trend by setting strategic
focal points. For the upcoming DEUBAU, forwardlooking
topics have taken on the focus of attention, first
and foremost the issue of “energy” (see also our title
theme). Likewise in focus: the “refurbishment” sector,
with its associated fields of modernisation, renovation
and restoration of existing buildings. And nearly every
DEUBAU exhibitor has recognised the importance of
this market.
But that’s not all: the fair’s supporting programme
has also been enhanced. Forums, congresses, seminars,
activities and events will supplement exhibitor
presentations, making the programme more multifaceted
than ever before. Special events have been
tailored to specific target audiences and will inform not
only trade visitors but also decision-makers from federal
states, municipalities and the construction industry.
For instance, DEUBAU 2008 will begin with “Housing
industry day”. Here, lectures and various panel discussions
will increase the dialogue between various sectors
of the real estate and housing industries.
A space for architects
Over one-fifth of DEUBAU trade visitors work as
architects, planners or engineers. And their informational
needs will certainly be catered to. In 2006,
the International Architecture Congress was already
the largest in the German-speaking region, attracting
some 1,350 participants. In 2008, it will once again set
benchmarks in home and urban planning visions.
The DEUBAU Award for Young Architects has been an
institution for 42 years. Once again, a top-notch jury
has selected outstanding architectural solutions to
current challenges. The winner of the 2008 Deubau
Award is the Berlin-based architects association
ROBERTNEUN, for its project “FrischeParadies de Pastre”
in Essen. According to the jury, the new construction/
remodelling project for a speciality foods wholesaler
has made an important contribution to a highly
neglected task field: designing functional buildings for
the warehousing and distribution of goods and how
this affects the cityscape and urban planning.
High-tech at SHK
Two months after DEUBAU, well over 550,600 exhibitors
and some 50,000 trade visitors will meet at SHK
Essen. Held from 5–8 March 2008, this specialised fair
for heating, plumbing and air-conditioning is the most
important industry meeting place of the year. It is devoted
to all the latest trends – for instance, those that
are develop ing in the world of bathrooms. Shower, sink
and toilet – bath environments that are simple and unadorned
are no longer popular with German con sumers.
Instead, the wet room is increasingly becoming a hightech
paradise. A study completed by the German Sanitary
Facilities Association (VDS) indicates that consumers
are more and more willing to invest in a private
wellness oasis. Moreover, more than half of the German
citizens have not yet refurbished their bathroom
since building or purchasing a privately owned home.
And nearly eight million of a total of 18 million of these
“unspoilt” spaces are more than 15 years old.
The improved order level for workmen and planners
has produced an unintentional by-product: there’s little
time left for market observation and advanced training.
The SHK Essen Advisory Board has reacted. In colla boration
with the exhibitors, it will be guaranteed that
qualified personnel will be on hand to answer the questions
of the visitors, even on the Saturday of the fair.
After all, flexibility is not only a workman’s best friend.
Modernisation requirements on the Ruhr
It’s clear that the topic of energy efficiency will also
play an important role at the upcoming SHK. Oil and
gas price increases and the debate on climate change
have placed cost-effective, environmentally sound
technologies high on the homeowner’s agenda.
Incidentally, this applies all the more in the Ruhr area
– nowhere else in Germany is the need for renovation
and refurbishment of homes and bathrooms higher
than in the Essen region. Further momentum can be
expected from planned construction across the region
and the state – especially in preparation for the Capital
of Culture year 2010. �
www.deubau­essen.de
www.shkessen.de
trade Fair | 17
Trends in and out of the
bathroom form a central
focus of SHK Essen. Industry
prospects are excellent:
studies indicate that consumer
willingness to invest
in refurbishment is rising,
and the need for modernisation
continues to grow.

18 | trade Fair 2012
Messe Essen 2012:
ideas for the future
The future east entrance
of Messe Essen? This is the
way it could look, should the
Klapheck architectural firm’s
concept become reality.
The new Grugahalle from
a bird’s-eye perspective:
the vision of Italian architect
Mario Bellini.
Initial ideas for a comprehensive transformation of the fairgrounds
have been presented to the Supervisory Board of Messe Essen.
The date could hardly be more symbolic: just in time
for Messe Essen’s 100th birthday celebration in 2013,
the entire area surrounding the Gruga could present
itself as state-of-the-art, if ambitious plans are realised.
The vision for the future has been named “Messe 2012”,
and in just five years it could become reality. At a special
meeting to be held this autumn, the Supervisory Com-
mittee, in collaboration with a panel of experts, will
evaluate four overall designs that have already been
submitted. Meanwhile, a feasibility study designed to
clarify all the financing details has also been initiated.
“We are pleased that the Supervisory Board has been
extremely open to our planned modernisation project,”
says Dr Joachim Henneke, CEO of Messe Essen. “It

would represent the perfect prelude for the next century
of our history.”
Clear quality improvements are planned for the
northern halls, the Grugahalle and the eastern
wing. The two-storey northern halls, Halls 8 and 8.1, 9
and 9.1, as well as Hall 7.1. – will be replaced by an ultramodern
single-storey structure. In terms of their
con struction, these halls, erected in 1977, are no longer
commensurate with the technological level of the remaining
fairgrounds. “We are interested in a quality improvement
here, not an extension,” clarifies Joachim Henneke,
before summing up: “Quality before quantity.” In addition,
a new, larger foyer is being planned for the Grugahalle.
Visual and functional improvements to the
entrance area will make the “mother of all multipurpose
auditoriums” even more attractive for clients. And more
cost-effective, as the tent landscapes in front of the
foyer, such as those that are still set up today at large
annual general meetings, could soon be a thing of the past.
The third construction measure encompasses the eastern
fairground, one of the most highly frequented entrance
areas. “Thanks to a functional reorganisation, this area,
which is currently rather inconspicuous, will provide a
more generously sized reception area to exhibitors and
guests,” explains Joachim Henneke. Together with weatherproof
access to the underground transit station, a
clear symbol will be set in terms of upscale urban design
– from which the Gruga Park can only profit.
Qualitative quantum leap
Should the corresponding resolution be accepted by
the Messe Essen Supervisory Board and the Advisory
Council of the city of Essen, the plan’s implementation
could be carried out in stages. All the structural alterations
would be completed by 2012. According to initial
estimates, the investment volume amounts to only a frac-
Clear signals: in a discussion
with ESSEN AFFAIRS,
Dr Joachim Henneke, CEO
of Messe Essen, described
the comprehensive redevelopment
plans.
tion of what comparable fairground locations are being
forced to invest currently. No decisions have been reached
yet regarding the financing, but one thing is already certain:
following the new construction at Hall 3 and the
spectacular western wing in 2000, the project would
bring another qualitative quantum leap to Messe Essen.
www.messe­essen.de
trade Fair | 19
An extension of the
Grugahalle and the
eastern fairground:
design completed by the
Koschany+Zimmer architectural
firm (above).
View of the entrance to
the eastern fairground:
a concept by Ulrich Krautwald
Architekten (below).

20 | trade Fair PeoPle
Forty years on four wheels
Germany’s largest annual automobile fair celebrates its 40th birthday. We visited four
people who have had a special relationship with the Essen Motor Show over the years –
and who all share a common passion.
The go-getter
A small sign at the door – there’s no need for anything
else. “Wolfgang Schöller Management” is written
in black on gold, followed by “Essen Motor Show”.
There’s not enough room for anything else on the sign,
but why stop at “Management”? After all, Wolfgang
Schöller is “Mr Motor Show”, he founded the trade fair
and has moulded it for four decades like no one else.
The anniversary show will be his last as chief executive
– time for a journey back in time to the late sixties.
“I was a motor sports driver myself, but in a modest
capacity,” says Schöller, now aged 64. He had already
been organising car races successfully, when in 1968,
he came up with the idea for an international motor
sports and racing car exhibition. And where should it
take place, if not in Essen? Today, Schöller still resides
in the house of his birth, less than 500 metres away
from the fair. The Messe Essen boss at the time, Walter
Bruckmann, found his idea compelling enough to give
it a try: “Give it a whirl!” And Schöller gave it his all – attracting
60,000 visitors at the first attempt. Time and
again, Schöller’s excellent contacts in the industry
would prove to be the engine for strong growth. The
first global star to come on board was Jochen Rindt,
who signed up in 1969, and in 1970, the exhibition was
renamed the “Jochen Rindt Show”. Attendance rates
quickly shot up to 120,000. Rindt himself was not able
to experience the success. A fatal accident at the Monza
Grand Prix had made him motor racing’s first posthumous
Formula 1 World Champion – a distinction he
still holds today. Schöller kept his chin up – and continued
working. In 1973, he initiated an extra motorcycle
exhibition, and brought the World Champion Giacomo
Agostini to Essen – as well as other celebrities. “The
racing stars of the time were much more accessible,”
adds Schöller, thinking back on discussions with big
names such as Lauda, Hunt and Fittipaldi. In 1981 came
the next milestone: in partnership with SIHA,
Schöller created the classic car show, enticing some
180,000 guests. By now, the basic structure had been
set up – and growth continued, sometimes in substantial
leaps. For instance, the “James Bond Cars” in 1988,
which caused a furore on the streets of Essen. And in
2000, when the Essen Motor Show began broadcasting
television advertisements (the first German car fair to
do so) and was run in week-long, 24-hour shifts in the
newly inaugurated Hall 3, the 400,000th visitor
threshold was crossed for the first time.
“Responsibility for the Essen Motor Show is being
transferred to a competence team,” explains Klaus
Reich, Director of Fairs and Exhibitions at Messe Essen,
who also collaborated with Schöller for 25 years in
developing the prestigious fair. “There will never again
be a Mr Motor Show,” clarifies Lars Crone, Team Leader
at Messe Essen. And Wolfgang Schöller? He will continue
to work at the Essen Motor Show in an advisory
capacity.

trade Fair | 21
The pictures on the wall
give it all away: Wolfgang
Schöller put his heart and
soul into managing the
Essen Motor Show. Now
the 64-year-old is passing
the torch onto others, but
will remain on board as a
consultant.
Photo: Jens Peters,VVA

22 | trade Fair PeoPle
Erich Bitter has retained
his enthusiasm, even at
the age of 74. Soon his
latest car creation will celebrate
its premiere – at the
Essen Motor Show.
Photo: Jens Peters,VVA
The tuner
Those taking a seat in Bodo Buschmann’s plush
office also become acquainted with one of the
secrets of his success. The armchairs are sheathed in
the finest leather – the same type of leather used in
Brabus cars. “It’s a bit unfair,” admits Bodo Buschmann,
“if you’ve ever driven such a car, you’ll never
forget it again.” Probably true. Brabus – for over 30
years, the name has stood for high-quality Mercedes
tuning. The brand is so well known that Buschmann is
regularly addressed as Mr Brabus.
The founding history of Brabus is a legend: after
completing his studies, Buschmann joined his parents’
firm, a Mercedes car dealership in Bottrop. The choice
The engineer
The anecdotes from his life would never fit under a
single car bonnet – not even under the bonnet of a
Bitter. Our discussion has been flowing for two hours,
and Erich Bitter has only just warmed up. Bitter is not
only a design engineer of unusual automobiles – he is
also a unique personality. Yet when he learned the
most important lesson of his life, Erich Bitter wasn’t
working as a company director, nor as an importer of
Photo: Jens Peters,VVA
racing outfits, nor even as a racing car driver. But rather
as a young, aspiring cyclist: “It doesn’t matter
whether you’re leading the pack five metres before or
after the finish line – it only matters who’s first to
cross it!”
Bitter is a fighter, but not a fanatic; he’s a player who
loves taking risks. Something he showed during promotional
activities for his fireproof racing suits – by
climbing into a burning tub. And his love of risks also
became apparent when his friend Robert “Bob” Lutz
(at that time Executive Director of Sales at Opel) convinced
him to produce an exclusive car featuring robust
technology. But what should the new car brand be
called? Ferry Porsche gave Bitter a bit of advice: “Use
your own name … Porsche doesn’t sound any better!”
And thus the Bitter CD was launched in 1973 – a car
that reached cult status, particularly owing to its
prominent customers: Paul Breitner, Udo Lattek, Heino
and Rosi Mittermaier. Bitter is still proud of his
famous clientele today. The Bitter SC followed, as well
as many other good ideas. Yet the Westphalian gentleman
is also remarkably open in recounting various setbacks
– projects that ultimately failed five metres before
the finish line. During his time as a prototype
builder at Volkswagen, he held onto his dream. And
now Erich Bitter is presenting his latest creation at the
Essen Motor Show, just before it goes into production.
The automobile is called “Vero”, and the name has
been selected well: it is a true Bitter, through and
through. And so everything comes full circle: Erich Bitter
already exhibited here back in 1968. �

730 HP are waiting to
be revved up under his
hands. Prof. Dr Bodo
Buschmann presents the
“Brabus Rocket”, the fastest
street-legal sedan in the
world. The luxury powerhouse
clocked speeds of just under
366 km/h in October 2006.
of his car would be obvious – one would think. “But
somehow the cars were just too boring for me,” recalls
Buschmann. So he refurbished his 220-8 Series with a
sporty interior. “That was extremely unusual for the
time,” he says – and extremely successful. Today, Brabus
employs a staff of 350 in Germany and several
thousand worldwide. A bit of luck and entrepreneurial
flair were necessary, says Buschmann, “but most of all,
we always tried to deliver the highest possible quality.”
Brabus experts do not modify a Mercedes beyond recognition.
They merely make it more beautiful, more
exclusive – and faster. Reaching a speed of exactly
365.7 km/h, the “Brabus Rocket” broke its own world
record in October 2006, for street-legal sedans. However,
breathtaking speeds are only a side effect of the
enterprise. “Tuning does not just mean deeper, wider,
The racing car driver
Just five more years, and then Hans-Joachim Stuck
will have achieved his goal. Namely, breaking a family
record. His father Hans, the “Mountain King”, was
61 when he finished his last race. Hans Joachim, affectionately
called “Striezel” in the racing scene, is now 56
– and he’s not wasting any time thinking about car racing
retirement. At the beginning of June, together
with his oldest son Johannes, he participated in the
24-hour race at the Nürburgring – just six weeks after
an accident on the same track left him with a breastbone
contusion and a lumbar laceration. But that can’t
stop the golden boy of racing.
Struck’s career is about to enter its 40th season. In
1969, as an 18-year-old, he won his first race. A further
160 victories followed in nearly every category. Stuck
drove in Formula 1 and Formula 2; he has also competed
as a professional racing car driver in touring cars,
GTs and sports cars for Ford, BMW, Audi, Opel and
Porsche. Since 2000, Stuck has been racing for BMW
once again. Apparently, that’s not enough for him, as
Stuck also works for various television stations as an
expert commentator. In all his various functions, he
has always been a guest of the Essen Motor Show – “30
times at least” by his count. In the beginning, his father
took him along. Hans-Joachim Stuck considers the fair
to be “the most important news channel and meeting
place of them all, the perfect place to socialise, network
and cultivate contacts”. Beyond these facets, “it’s a pri-
Photo: motorsport-total
faster,” says Buschmann. And why do people have their
cars tuned in the first place? Here Bodo Buschmann,
the honorary professor, approaches the subject of
human nature: “People are hard-wired to want to distinguish
themselves.” A Russian journalist once explained
the brand value of Brabus: “If you want to be a
successful Russian businessman, you first need three
things: a beautiful woman on your side, a gold watch
on your wrist and a Brabus outside the front door.”
Buschmann’s “house fair” has been the Essen Motor
Show for over 25 years. And the Association of German
Automobile Tuners (VDAT), with Buschmann as Chairman,
has also found a home here in the “VDAT Salon”.
And Bodo Buschmann, the globally active professor of
tuning, remains true to his homeland. “As a child of the
Ruhr district, I am really proud of this fair.” �
me source of information, particularly for the tuning
and accessories sectors”. Begin early and retire late –
Stuck has taken the family motto to heart with typical
Bavarian gusto. Naturally there’s always the appeal of
“showing the boys a thing or two as a senior”. On the
other hand, it’s a “wonderful feeling” to enter a race
with his son. “I can pass on my experiences – like my
father did for me at the beginning of my career.” Hans-
Joachim Stuck still has one dream left: to complete the
Nürburgring 24-hour race together with his youngest
son, Ferdinand (who still races karts for the time being).
That could take place as early as 2011. Stuck would be
60 years old then. Still a bit early to retire … �
trade Fair | 23
The eternal allure of the
racetrack: the career of
Hans-Joachim Stuck will
soon be entering its 40th
season. Since 2000, he has
been working for BMW
again as a professional racing
car driver. And he
doesn’t waste any time on
thoughts of bringing his illustrious
career to an end.

Photo: Frank Schuberth,VVA Game
24 | trade Fair sPiel
lovers underway
From an adult education centre to the world stage:
SPIEL celebrates its 25th anniversary. And an unusual
success story.
Spirited duo: Rosemarie
Geu (right) and Dominique
Metzler have established
SPIEL as the world’s largest
public fair of its kind.
It began as a harmless bit of fun. Back in 1983, a
Bonn-based magazine for games came up with the idea
of organising a get-together for its readers. It selected
the Essen adult education centre as the venue, and 700
readers registered. So far, so good. Then a journalist,
who happened to be a games enthusiast, men tioned
the event during the WDR2 morning radio show. By
the end of the three “German gaming days”, organisers
had welcomed over 5,000 visitors – a huge success.
“We were in over our heads,” remembers Rosemarie
Geu, Managing Director at the Friedhelm Merz Verlag,
the publishing house which for 25 years has been organising
the get-together. At some point along the way, the
event was renamed SPIEL, and the headline “International
gaming days” was added – already suggesting the dimension
of the event. The numbers speak an even
clearer language: for the anniversary event, over
150,000 visitors and more than 700 exhibitors are expected
to arrive. SPIEL is the world’s largest public exhibition
in the gaming industry. And it would never
have attained this status if the team under Rosemarie
Geu and Co-Director Dominique Metzler wasn’t so
highly prepared, professional and committed. The
team has strived to main tain the unique charm of this
somewhat different kind of fair. One unique feature:
the games festival has actually been a “games testival”
from the very outset: visitors put various games to the
test, discovering new forms of enjoyment. In this manner,
the exhibitors receive direct and highly valuable
feedback – and the players are given the chance to pack
up their favourite new games and take them home.
“You have to fool around a bit”
During the first few years of SPIEL, which has taken
place on the Essen fairgrounds since 1985, the unusual
ideas and cavalier audience were something of a culture
shock for the producers. However, all the partners
quickly caught on to the success secret, which Metzler
explains: “You have to be able to fool around a bit.”
The industry has honoured the event’s ingenuity
and resourcefulness. For them, SPIEL is “a unique
event, one that makes the entire world a bit envious,”
says Ernst Pohle, Chairman of the Professional Group
for Games, a consortium of the leading German and
Austrian game manufacturers. “Everyone who has anything
to do with games and gaming shows up,” adds
Rosemarie Geu. A statement that is characteristically
succinct and to the point. Along the way, the two SPIEL
directors have also rendered an outstanding service in
marketing the city. “In the USA, everyone simply refers
to our fair as ‘Essen’”, reports Dominique Metzler.
True to profile
Such a brand name needs to be carefully nurtured.
For this reason, SPIEL will not be changing its concept
anytime soon. Additions such as “Comic Action”, which
has been informing the international comics market
since 1999, have also become a valuable enhancement.
In search of ideas, the gaming bosses are constantly
looking outside the box – or the board, as the case may
be. “However,” promises Dominique Metzler, “we will
always remain true to our profile.”
www.merz­verlag.com/spiel

Harmonious and active
“Body & Health”
1 to 4.11.2007
Healthier, more active, more harmonious: “Body & Health”
will be opening its doors for the 13th time this year. Over a
total of four days, some 180 exhibitors from Germany and abroad
will present products and services for a healthier and more active
lifestyle. The event will take place parallel to “Mode Heim Handwerk”.
A cardiovascular forum, an allergy and lung forum, an intestinal
health forum and many other lectures and partici patory
events are also planned. www.gesundheit­messe.com
trade Fair Current eVents | 25
Informative and attractive
“Mode Heim Handwerk”
27.10 to 4.11.2007
It remains the largest consumer fair in North Rhine-Westphalia:
“Mode Heim Handwerk”. Informative yet exciting, classic yet
modern – these are just some of the fair’s many qualities. Over 700
exhibitors entice a high-capacity crowd with offers and expert
consulting in the areas “Christmas Town”, “Home & Living”,
“Fashion & Beauty” and “Culinary & Practical”, as well as “Building,
Renovation & Garden” and “Hobby & Leisure”.
The organisers have made sure there’s something for the entire
family to enjoy. One of the highlights this year is “Dinosaur World”.
More than 30 dinosaur models will be on display, ranging in size
up to 26 metres. An added bonus will be the presentation of some
300 fascinating living reptiles – ensuring a true primeval ambience.
A further crowd-puller will be the numerous fashion
shows, featuring the latest wedding and evening wear, as well as
wearable everyday styles and unusual jewellery.
www.mode­heim­handwerk.de
Beautiful and rare
“art & antique essen”
15 to 18.11.2007
Welcome to the treasure chest! Antique furniture, clocks and
carpets, or paintings and graphics… not to mention silver, porcelain
and jewellery: an entire world of precious objects will be
unveiled to the visitor on the occasion of the 30th “Art & Antique
Essen” in Hall 12. Exhibitors will offer their art treasures, spanning
from the Middle Ages to Early Modern, on Thursday and
Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 11
a.m. to 7 p.m. www.artundantique.de

Photo: corbis
26 | trade Fair CHina
The Chinese versions of SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN and IPM
have long since established themselves in the country.
Now Messe Essen is launching its third project in the world’s
No. 1 growth market: REIFEN China.
“There’s no way to avoid China,” read a September
2007 headline of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung newspaper,
on the occasion of recent growth forecasts released by
the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB predicts
economic growth of 11.2 per cent for 2007. And if the
economic predictions are correct, 2008 is also set to be
a very good year for China, without any clouds on a
sunny economic horizon.
“China is the very definition of a boom market,”
says Egon Galinnis, Managing Director of Messe Essen,
which is now launching its third large-scale project
in this huge country. While Beijing Essen Welding
celebrated its 20th anniversary in June 2007, and IPM
China will experience its third run in December, a
premiére is set to be launched one month before on the
Chinese fair schedule: from 14 to 16 November, the
The sky is
the limit
trade fair REIFEN China will be held for the first time
in Shanghai.
The world’s No. 1 fair is backing us up
“We saw a gap in the market,” observes Egon Galinnis,
visibly pleased about the positive resonance of the
Asian version of REIFEN, Messe Essen’s global tyre fair.
The Essen trade fair organisers hadn’t given themselves
much time. In March, the critical preparatory phase
began; so far over 80 exhibitors from 15 nations have
signed up. A highly promising lead-up can be observed
– despite strong competition from two similar fairs. “We
will establish ourselves in the long term,” says Klaus
Reich, Director of Fairs and Exhibitions at Messe Essen.
“After all, with REIFEN Essen we have the world’s No. 1
fair backing us up.”
We also have a market with enormous potential, because
China is the world champion in tyre production.
There are over 300 tyre manufacturers in the People’s
Republic, producing over 300 million tyres every year.
The industry is part of an enormously expanding sector.
Over 7.2 million automobiles have been sold in
China, according to data from the industry association.
This group is supporting REIFEN China, as are all other
important organisations and federations. What’s more,

A favourite image for
tourists – and proof
of economic strength:
the Shanghai skyline.
Pictured on the left is the
468-metre-high TV tower.
the trade fair organisers have succeeded in gaining the
China United Rubber Group Corporation (CURC) as a
partner. At the same time, CURC will host the “Rubber
Tech China”, a fair for the rubber industry. With REIFEN
China, the partners are pursuing major goals to gether:
“We are planning to cover the entire spectrum, right up
to recycling,” says Klaus Reich.
Reaching a strategic decision on the proper location
for the event was a comparatively easy task. Shanghai
is not only at the heart of the Chinese automobile
industry, but also the location of the new International
Expo Centre (SNIEC), a fairground offering the highest
international standards. This is where Beijing Essen
Welding took place in June for the 20th time: over 600
exhibitors presented goods and services in a space encompassing
46,000 square metres – “a milestone” was
the unanimous conclusion of all those involved. With
it, Beijing Essen Welding has cemented its reputation
as the No. 2 worldwide – just behind the parent event,
SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN in Essen.
Close to the “green industry”
The targeted export of a leading trade fair – this is
also the concept behind IPM China. It is set to open
its doors from 1 to 3 December for the third time, and
will once again be held in Foshan. The Guangdong
p rovince is prominent in China’s “green industry”; here
too, the fair has been situated close to its market. A
repu tation as one of the most important horticultural
fairs in China has been acquired with lots of hard work.
“The quality of our event has risen substantially – and
this is exactly what our exhibitors expect,” says Sabina
Dillen, Divisional Director of Fairs and Exhibitions.
And the organisers have left no stone unturned – from
the analysis of trade flows and visitor registration to
business etiquette guidelines specially conceived for
IPM China. In 2006, 89 per cent of the exhibitors were
pleased with the results of the fair. “What’s more, our
contacts and expertise on the Chinese market have
only strengthened the Essen lead show,” stresses Egon
Galinnis.
www.reifen­china.com
www.beijing­essen­welding.de
www.ipm­china.com
trade Fair | 27
Photo: Frank Schuberth, VVA Photo: Frank Schuberth, VVA
Photo: Jens Peters, VVA
“We expect positive
synergy effects to continue
for the lead show
in Essen,” stresses Egon
Galinnis, Managing Director
at Messe Essen.
“The exhibitors expect
top quality in terms of
organisation,” observes
Sabina Dillen, Divisional
Director of Fairs and Exhibitions
at Messe Essen.
“REIFEN will establish
itself in China in the
long term,” says Klaus
Reich, Director of Fairs and
Exhibitions at Messe Essen.

28 | trade Fair KiosK
Stars of self-service
A good reason to celebrate:
Jens Schindler, Managing
Director, hf media &
events, Karin Wunderlich,
General Manager of POPAI
Deutschland e. V. and
Dr Joachim Henneke, CEO
of Messe Essen, toasted to
the success of the first
KIOSK EUROPE EXPO in
May 2007.
In its first year, KIOSK EUROPE EXPO became the world’s largest trade fair for self-service
technologies. Before the première, the expo was anything but a guaranteed success –
although the market is still highly promising.
A quiet revolution took place on 27 June 1967.
On this day, in a Barclays Bank branch in the north of
London, the world’s first ATM went into operation. The
entrepreneur John Shepherd Barron developed this
ingenious idea – and he had an intelligent wife. She
convinced her husband to use a four-digit PIN policy
instead of the planned six-digit PIN. This detail contributed
to the triumphant advance of self-service technology.
Today, it is impossible to imagine modern life
without the over 1.6 million ATMs used worldwide. In
2002, Germans declared the ATM to be the most useful
technical innovation of recent decades. What’s more, a
survey by Dresdner Bank in September 2007 indicated
that over 80 per cent of German residents utilise ATMs
to withdraw money.
The silent star of customer communication has
found many successors. “I for one have caught flights
at the very last minute thanks to self-check-in terminals,”
says Jens Schindler, Managing Director, hf media
& events. Schindler’s airport observations are part
of the conceptual idea behind the trade fair for selfservice
technologies: KIOSK EUROPE EXPO, which
celebrated its première in Essen in May 2007.
Two years prior to the première, Schindler and his
team published the trade journal KIOSK EUROPE as a
warm-up to the actual event, attracting sufficient customers
to ensure a successful fair. However, the risks
remained high – after all, over the last ten years, several
trade fairs have failed to get off the ground. And
success also brought difficulties for hf media & events.
The company hoped to attract 75 exhibitors for the
première event, twice as many as ever before in Europe.
All in all, 120 exhibitors signed up. At the first attempt,
KIOSK EUROPE EXPO became the largest fair of
its kind in the world.
Big compliments to the fair team
“It was like a hare and tortoise race to broaden our
capacities,” remembers Jens Schindler. His thanks
go out to the partners. “The Messe Essen team was very
helpful in taking over client support services for the
fair’s organisation,” he adds. “In the evaluation of visitor
statements, excellent organisation was one of the
points most frequently mentioned – the best compliment
that Messe Essen could have hoped for.”
The booking situation for the second edition, which
will open in May 2008, also deserves the highest compliment:
nearly all the exhibitors have expressed their
intention to return. What’s more, 30 per cent of the
overall total will be new exhibitors. Many have also
been attracted by DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO, which will
run parallel to KIOSK EUROPE EXPO. This fair focuses
on digital customer information systems: from information
displays in airports, through dynamic advertising
spaces in department stores to business TV applications.
With DIGITAL SIGNAGE, history seems to be
repeating itself. Originally, only a “fair within a fair”
was planned. “But it quickly became clear to us that the
topic is so vast – a partial concept would never have
been sufficient.” Thus the concept for a parallel event
quickly developed – and the partners reacted in just the
way that Jens Schindler had hoped. “It’s nice that the
Messe Essen team is not only highly committed, but
also able to garner enthusiasm for new concepts.”
www.kioskeurope­expo.com

Trade fair [sɘk'ses]
Pronounced success. 100 years of commitment to our
industry – Messe Essen congratulates the Association of
the German Trade Fair Industry! More information at
www.auma-messen.de
YOUR
SUCCESS
IS ONLY
FAIR
Member since 1956

Photos: Holiday on Ice
30 | cce/GrUGaHalle
A proud tradition: ever since 1960, Holiday on Ice has been
offering stunning performances in the Grugahalle. A special
highlight this year is the comeback of Tanja Szewczenko.
The return of
the princess
No element radiates more elegance than ice. Majestic
like rock crystal, it catches even the faintest rays of
light and transforms them into a magnificent sparkle.
At Holiday on Ice the ice merges with sophis ticated
costumes and phenomenal music into a symphony of
passion and magic.
“A dream has come true for me”
Nearly 60 years ago, the ice extravaganza debuted
in the USA with a small hotel show. Today, Holiday on
Ice is the most successful live entertainment production
in the world. From 12 to 16 December, the show is
scheduled for a guest run in the Grugahalle with a
brand-new programme entitled Elements. A special
highlight this year is the return of an ice princess: Tanja
Szewczenko. At the premiere on 12 December, the
three-time German figure skating champion hopes,
once again, to showcase her talents after taking a break
lasting nearly eight years. “I can hardly wait to skate on
full-size ice rinks again,” she says, enthusiastically.

She was one of Germany’s
greatest figure skaters.
Then injuries put an end to
Tanja Szewczenko’s sports
career. Today the 30-year-old
is an actress – and is celebrating
her highly acclaimed
comeback with Holiday on
Ice.
“A dream has come true for me.” As a 16-year-old,
Szewczenko won the bronze medal at the World Figure
Skating Championships. Meanwhile, she has changed
her field of expertise and is now an actress – and will
be skating publicly for the first time after her retirement
from the sport in 2000 due to injuries.
Michael Duwe, Managing Director of Holiday on Ice, is
pleased about the prominent addition to his troupe.
“We are very proud to have the chance to welcome one
of the most successful German figure skaters to Holiday
on Ice. The spectacular ice show for the entire
family has been a regular guest at the Grugahalle since
1960. “This is a proud tradition, which we plan to
continue in the future,” say Rolf Drewel, Managing
Director of Messe Essen GmbH.
Impressive cultural dance
Elements offers an impressive cultural dance to fans
both old and new. Inspired by the four elements –
fire, water, earth and air – the Holiday on Ice show
draws an arc from the dawn of Asia to a summer solstice
celebration, with an Indian festival and Celtic
dances along the way. The allure of fairy tales on the
ice becomes palpable when 50 dancers dressed in fantastically
colourful costumes whirl over the surface of
the ice. Where water had just been flowing as a gentle
river in a Zen garden, the full force of light is suddenly
bundled into the summer solstice, transforming the
scene in an instant. The spectacle is accompanied by a
soundtrack of diverse music styles, ranging from indie
rock to hip hop to gospel – and even the voluminous
melodies of a symphony orchestra. The impressive
combination of elements from theatre, dance, opera,
pop, magic, musicals and acrobatics make Holiday on
Ice an unforgettable experience.
Tickets are available at all popular ticket agencies, on
the Grugahalle Ticket Hotline (+49 (0)201 7244 290)
or on the Internet at www.grugahalle.de. Children up
to 14 receive a 50% discount; 10% discounts are offered
to senior citizens, the disabled or unemployed people,
and groups of ten or more.
www.grugahalle.de
Photo: Stockdisc
A focus on patients
cce/GrUGaHalle | 31
The first-ever patients trade fair in Germany: the PATIENTA has
been co-organised by Neuro-Consil GmbH and Messe Essen GmbH for
16 and 17 February 2008. Primarily targeting patients and their families,
the fair features specialists from a wide range of medical sectors
who will be on hand for discussions. The fair also provides extensive
information on disease patterns and the course of illnesses. New breakthroughs
in treatments and diagnostic procedures will be presented,
enabling patients and family members to approach doctors in a more
enlightened manner. At the patient congress, which will run in parallel,
lectures will be held by 60 experts from 18 specialist fields – ranging
from general surgery through to diabetes and dentistry.
Merkel discusses coal
www.patienta.de
“Steinkohlentag” (“Coal Day”) is a representative event sponsored
by the German coal mining industry. This year, the convention will
be held under the motto “Coal options for the future”. Once again, more
than a thousand guests from the worlds of politics, commerce and society
are being expected in the Essen Philharmonic Concert Hall on 6 November
2007. Federal Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel will be the guest of honour
as well as main speaker of the political conference in the morning. In
the afternoon, a panel discussion will take place on the regional consequences
of the adaptation process in the coal mining industry.
www.gvst.de
Partner for municipalities
For the fourth time, the Kongress für Kommunale Praxis (KOPRA –
Congress for Municipal Practice) will be held in the Congress Center
Essen. On 6 and 7 November 2007, representatives from municipalities,
cities and federal states will meet up with economic specialists to
discuss current trends in the growing public-private partnerships sector
(PPP). A valuable forum and means of networking, the KOPRA
congress was established to profit from the fast pace of development in
the PPP sector over the past few years. In addition to lectures by industry
specialists, the congress provides numerous workshops, offering
attendees the chance to substantiate their knowledge on the processes,
procedures and organisational forms involved in public-private
partnerships.
www.kopra­kongress.de

32 | calendar
2007
27.10.–04.11. MODE HEIM HANDWERK
The largest consumer trade fair for
the whole family
01.11.–04.11. BODy & HEALTH
The trade fair for a healthy lifestyle
15.11.–18.11. ART & ANTIQUE
International sales exhibition
01.12.–09.12. ESSEN MOTOR SHOW
Global fair for automobiles, tuning,
motor sport & classic cars
2008
08.01.–12.01. DEUBAU
International trade fair for construction
and renovation
24.01.–27.01. IPM
International trade fair for plants,
technology, floristry, merchandising*
06.02.–10.02. REISE/CAMPING
International fair for travel & tourism,
camping & caravanning
08.02.–10.02. GOLF
International fair for golf,
equipment & tourism
2007
27.10. SIMPLy SONU
Sonu Nigam on his German tour
27.10. CELEBRATION OF CELEBRATIONS
12­hour gala hosted by Gänsehälse Essen e.V.
30.10. VOLKER PISPERS
“Until recently …”
02.11. 9TH STATE MEDIA BALL
“Simply the best …”
03.11. 58TH CITIZEN & POLICE FESTIVAL
Traditional event of the police trade union
05.11. 10 yEARS OF IT PROFESSIONS
IHK Essen
06.11. GERMAN COAL DAy 2007
German Coal Mining Association
06.–07.11. KOPRA
Congress for municipal practice
09.– 10.11. SHOE & SPORT MARKET
In the Grugahalle foyer
12.11. STOCK MARKET FORUM
National­Bank AG
13.11. GENTLEMAN & THE FAR EAST BAND
“Another Intensity Tour” 2007
08.02.–10.02. FAHRRAD
Sales fair for bicycles and accessories
16.02.–17.02. PATIENTA
International patients’ fair, including
patients’ conference
19.02.–21.02. E­WORLD – ENERGy & WATER
International trade fair and congress
20.02. –24.02. HAUS UND GARTEN
The spring fair for the entire family
05.03.– 08.03. SANITÄR HEIZUNG KLIMA
Trade fair for heating, plumbing, air conditioning
and renewable energy
27.03.–30.03. TECHNO­CLASSICA ESSEN
Global fair for classic cars and prestige automobiles,
motorcycles and replacement parts
10.04.–13.04. FIBO
International leading fair for fitness & wellness
18.04.–20.04. BAByWELT
Trade fair dedicated to the world of babies
19.04.–20.04. HEILPRAKTIKERTAGE
Trade exhibition and congress for
alternative practitioners
22.04.–26.04. METPACK
International trade fair for metal packaging
06.05.–08.05. KIOSK EUROPE EXPO
International trade fair for self­service terminals*
16.11. ADAM + EVA AWARD CEREMONy
9th German day of events
21.11. US5
“In Control Tour 2007”
24.11. 17TH OLDIE NIGHT
With The Lords, Rubettes feat. Bill Hurd, Harpo,
and others
28.11. FESTIVE EVENING NOWEDA E.G.
29.–30.11. GERMAN yOUTH WELFARE
OFFICE DIRECTORS’ MEETING
07.12. WISE GUyS
Live 2007
12.–16.12. HOLIDAy ON ICE
“Elements”
31.12. NEW yEAR’S EVE OVER­30 PARTy
2008
12.–13.01. WEDDING FAIR
Tips and trends 2008
19.01. PAUL PANZER
“Home Evening Deluxe” Solo 2008
06.05.–08.05. DIGITAL SIGNAGE EXPO
International trade fair for digital signage*
08.05–10.05. BRIEFMARKEN
International postage stamp exhibition
16.05.–18.05. RUN, RIDE & SKATE
The fair for endurance sports
20.05.–23.05 REIFEN
Global fair of the tyre industry
TRADE FAIRS ABROAD:
14.11.07–16.11.07 REIFEN CHINA
1st Asian Essen tyre show (Shanghai)
01.12.07–03.12.07 IPM CHINA
International horticulture expo (Foshan/Shunde)
14.02.08–16.02.08
SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN INDIA
International trade fair for joining, cutting
and surfacing (New Delhi)
04.03.08–06.03.08 IPM DUBAI
International horticulture expo for the Middle East
24.04.08–27.04.08
BAHRAIN MOTOR SHOW 2008
Powered by Essen Motor Show (Manama)
All dates as of October 2007.
Subject to change without notice.
*Only open to trade visitors
21.01. 100 yEARS OF BKK
22.01. ANNUAL CONFERENCE
H. Deichmann­Schuhe GmbH & Co. KG
28.01. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
With Deborah Sasson
15.02. ANDREA BERG
Live
16.02. ATZE SCHRÖDER
“Maternity Leave” – sold out!
23.02. 2ND EDUCATIONAL POLICy
FORUM NRW
01.03. THE RETURN OF THE SHAOLIN MONKS
Mystical worlds
08.03. ROGER CICERO & BIG BAND
“Respectivel”
15.03. „HOT IN THE POTT“
With Michael Wendler, Olaf Hennig and others
02.–03.04.
2ND WESTERN HEALTH CONGRESS
Leading conference for the health industry
All dates as of October 2007.
Subject to change without notice.

U P WARD
TRE N D
Exhibitors and visitors regard the international fairs in Essen as
competence centres. Here, standards are set and innovations presented.
Some of them are leading fairs. These include, for example SECURITY, IPM,
SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN, ALUMINIUM and REIFEN. As the No. 1 fairs,
they are communication platforms for successful business. Be there.
www.messe-essen.de
Niehaus III

Photos: Daniel Roth
34 | essen loVe Parade
A city in the mood to party: 1.2 million visitors from across the world
celebrated the premiere of the “Love Parade” in Essen. The decision
was unanimous: the parade’s relocation from Berlin to the Ruhr
metropolis was definitely worth it!

essen | 35

36 | essen restaurants
A high street called “Rü”
Hamburg has the “Mö”, Düsseldorf the “Kö” – and Essen? The Ruhr metropolis has the “Rü”.
For this is what residents call Rüttenscheider Strasse, the culinary high street for the entire region.
Our author Peter Erik Hillenbach took a taste tour.
One should really be a trade fair visitor. All day spent
visiting interesting booths, networking, closing business
deals – and afterwards pampering one’s palate in
the finest restaurants. For right after the fair closes its
doors for the day – and sometimes even for a business
lunch – one heads to the “Rü”! This is what the Essen
residents call their “Kö”, their “Mö”, their “Ku’damm”
– Rüttenscheider Strasse, high street extraordinaire,
extending for some 300 street numbers. And here the
focus is on culinary accents.
With more than 50 addresses to choose from, the
“Rü” – just a few minutes walk on foot from the fairgrounds
and open virtually around the clock – entices
visitors with more than just haute cuisine. A number of
small restaurants offer hearty breakfasts from around
the world, including “Zucca” and “Allegro”, located
near the underground station Rüttenscheider Stern.
The terrace of “Mondrian” is a highly sought-after spot
to see and be seen, particularly on market days. No
wonder – the young and upwardly mobile Rüttenscheid
area has a lot to offer in terms of visual delights. And
Culinary gems such as
the “Miamamia” (left) can
be found in droves on
Rüttenscheider Strasse.
Organic thinking, organic
cooking: this is Croatian
cook Ante Kunac’s
culinary concept in “Restoran
Ponistra”. The man with
the pirate bandana pampers
his guests with organic
fast food. His wife Milak serves
with a smile (top right).
Maritime flair has been
served up since June 2007
in “Die Insel”. Ralf Klümper
and Christiane Elger offer a
minimal yet polished Scandinavian
atmosphere (lower
right).
there’s so much to buy! Pretty boutiques with fine clothing,
linens and jewellery – nevertheless, one has the
feeling that there’s a leek, an Italian fennel salami or a
bottle of the best red wine poking out of nearly every
shopping basket on the street.
Visitors can also experience a fine breakfast in
Rüttenscheid’s living room, the “Lorenz”, which presents
itself as a full-day restaurant with a beautiful garden.
Those who prefer their morn ings with a Spanish
flair need only walk down the street to “Oliv”. Here,
one can enjoy a global interpretation of tapas culture,
with canapés from countries such as Portugal, Brazil
and India. The concept has proven so successful that
last year “Oliv Panetteria” opened just across the street.
This promotes its wares under the slogan “Bread and
faith”, but make no mistake: nobody here will try to
convert you. Instead, the store is filled with fresh,
home-made bread and all the trimmings.
A few steps further, one can find a similar concept at
work: “Pasta e Gamberoni”. In this tiny restaurant, Signore
Fiscelli has limited the selection to a dozen pasta
Photos: Michael Lübke

dishes and the finest gambas. And speaking of Italians
– they’ve shaped Rüttenscheid like hardly any other
Essen district. At noon, Italian eateries are popular
with businesspeople, and in the evenings, with couples,
with the candlelight shimmering on silk stockings and
a bottle of fine red wine. Apart from the popular business
restaurants “Leonardo” and “La Cena”, lo cated
directly at the district court on Zweigertstrasse, most
trattorias and cafés are concentrated on the “Rü”
between the underground stations Martinstrasse and
Florastrasse. This is where master chef Diego Palermo
entices guests to his “Trattoria Trüffel”, or where Franco
Cadamuro and his chef Tiziano Girardi enjoy regular
visits from the locals in “Oasis Due”, which features
classic Italian dishes. Somewhat further, the “Palladio”
cavorts with the tomato-red “Il Pomodoro” and the family
osteria “Buon Caffe”: three reasonably priced trattorias
lined up one after the next – all of them using the
freshest market ingredients! And at the far end of the
“Rü”, “Lucente” has established itself as the top dog for
trendy diners.
Not yet satisfied? Then “Rôtisserie du Sommelier”,
owned by Thomas Friedrich, is just the place for you.
This bistro is beautiful enough to fall in love with, and
the chef delivers not only French bistro dishes, but also
Michelin star-quality full-course dinners. Located diagonally
across the street, Patrick Jabs has also set his
sights on the stars. In his “Bliss” he serves up the latest
culinary trend: molecular cooking. And if this is all a bit
too modern for your tastes, next door in “Curry” you’ll
find Germany’s national dish, the currywurst, in some
surprisingly sophisticated varieties. Just a few steps
Quick dishes from the
wok: the “Chilli House”
(left) features classic Oriental
food.
Young and hip: casual
poses in “Banditen wie wir”
(right).
essen | 37
beyond, the Irishman Patrick Hunt invites you to enjoy
whiskey and Guinness in the popular “Fritzpatrick’s”.
And if you have a thirst for beer, “Rüttenscheider Hausbrauerei”
awaits you just around the corner, with its
fine assortment of self-brewed beers.
This report wouldn’t be complete without four unusual
midday restaurants: “Chilli House” at the lower
end of the “Rü” features classic Oriental cooking; here,
guests can slurp impressive noodle soups or order
quick wok dishes. Almost directly opposite, the Croatian
cook Ante Kunac has opened “Restoran Ponistra”,
pampering the taste buds with “organic fast food”. In
the casually authentic “Casa Madrid”, Rüttenscheid
residents meet up for Mediterranean specialities. And
“raum.eins” peps up regional recipes with Mediterranean
and Asiatic influences – even on Mondays, when
many of the other Italian eateries are closed.
Young, creative concepts thrive and prosper – especially
on the “Rü”. Cushion landscapes, lounge areas,
70s pop optics, a spot for turntables, delicately prepared
food – this is the secret formula behind gastronomic
gems like “Die Insel”, “Miamamia”, “Zweibar”,
“Stoffwechsel” or “Banditen wie wir”. And late in the
evening? The rustic “Ampütte” has been an institution
for over a century. Every taxi driver can tell you anecdotes
about the artists and local celebrities whose
signed photographs line the walls here. Warm meals
are served until four in the morning – just in time for
the start of the next day at the fairgrounds. �
Peter Erik Hillenbach is editor-in-chief of the annual restaurant
guide Essen geht aus (Eating out in Essen).

Photo: Erika Koch
38 | essen obituary
An unbelievable workhorse
Jörg Immendorff, indisputably one of Germany’s most important contemporary
artists, died on 28 May 2007. Messe Essen owes him its thanks for the glass art
window Energy. Günter Steinmann pays tribute to a true friend.
Jörg Immendorff had a special relationship with
the Ruhr district, and in particular with Essen. He
had many friends here; he liked the people of this
re gion. Messe Essen has had the pleasure of working
with this unusually gifted artist. For Messe Essen Galeria,
Jörg Immendorff designed the largest contiguous
glass art window in Europe. It was aptly named Energy
– a topic and a term that the artist always associated
with the city of Essen. Today, the window ranks amongst
the most important works of contemporary art
housed in Essen.
On 28 May 2007, Jörg Immendorff died at the age of
61 in his house in Düsseldorf – from the effects of Lou
Gehrig’s disease, an incurable illness. Althoug his illness
had long been covered by the media, the news of
Immendorff’s sudden death still came as a shock for
many, including myself. Jörg Immendorff ranks amongst
Germany’s most important contemporary artists. Not
only that, he was also one of the foremost names in the
international “Who’s Who” of contemporary art. His
artworks have been collected by nearly every important
museum and collection in the world. His name took
on international prominence with his cycle of paintings
His glass art window
energy attests to the world
of colours and the myth of
fire: Jörg Immendorff, a
major artist, died at the age
of 61 in May.
entitled Café Germany, as well as other pieces. With
Immendorff, a representative of the protest generation
has also died – and a person who wasn’t always easy to
get along with. He could be very kind and lovable, but
frequently also extremely grumpy. Those affected by
this character trait in his personal environment included
his own assistants. As Professor Walter Grasskamp
wrote: “Immendorff lived through more contradictions
than one could conceivably process in a single lifetime.
Along with the scenery, he delivered the drama.”
However, first and foremost, Jörg Immendorff was
an unbelievable workhorse; his workload was nearly
boundless. And the artwork he has left behind is set to
fill up many books. With Immendorff’s death, we have
lost a truly unusual artistic personality – much too
early. But we are fortunate in that he will live on
through his art. �
Günter Steinmann occupies himself with the fields of Construc -
tivism and Pop Art in painting. Further fields of activity
include sculptures and combines. The artist is also very active
as a promoter of the arts.

Stage extravaganza
MAMMA MIA! and the GOP Varieté Theater have cast their spell on Essen.
And you can share in the excitement!
Step out of the grey doldrums – and into a world of
pure fun. More than 30 million spectators around the
world have already been bedazzled by the irresistible
musical MAMMA MIA!. To the fresh and exciting beat
of feel-good music from ABBA, you can accompany the
cast to a Greek island. It is here that Donna and her
20-year-old daughter Sophie live. When Sophie decides
to marry Sky, the love of her life, her only remaining
desire is to walk down the aisle to the altar on the arm
of her father. Sophie isn’t sure which one of three men
that might be her father to ask, so she invites them all
to the wedding – and the hilarious speculation begins.
The Colosseum Theater Essen’s production is a humorous
and colourful story about love, zest for life and
friendship, which uses 22 of ABBA’s greatest hits –
including Dancing Queen, The Winner Takes It All and,
naturally, Mamma Mia.
participate and win!
www.mammamia.de
Which anniversary will the essen Motor
show celebrate in december 2007?
a) 25th
b) 40th
c) 60th
Photos: PR
Every bit as fascinating is the show at the GOP
Varieté Theater Essen. For over ten years, the theatre
has been offering an elaborately staged live production
which changes every two months – making it one of the
most successful variety companies in Germany. In the
magical ambiance of the theatre, world-class artistry
meets excellent comedy routines – in a show full of fastpaced
humour and charm. We suggest that you forget
your hectic everyday life and watch impressive acrobatics
performed on roller skates, ladders and in mid-air,
as well as hilarious comedy juggling and eccentric
partner acrobatics! The top-class international ensemble
will whisk you away into a world full of curiosity,
daydreams and wondrous creatures. With cabaret and
music, it revives the art of vaudeville whilst providing
an impressive and colourful, yet contemplative, evening
of pleasure – full of astonishment, laughs and dreams.
From all the correct entries received,
we will raffle three pairs of tickets for an
evening of your choice, either for MAM-
MA MIA! or at the Gop Varieté.
the closing date for all entries is
23 november 2007.
We wish you lots of luck and
fun in Essen!
www.gop­variete.de
Simply send the correct answer under
the keyword essen aFFairs to:
Messe essen GmbH
po Box 100165, 45001 essen, Germany
Or by fax to:
+49 (0)201 724 4505
Or by e­mail to:
jennifer.lischewski@messe­essen.de
The judge’s decision is final.
contest | 39
An irresistibly charming
story and ABBA’s greatest
hits: this is the secret of
MAMMA MIA! (left).
In the GOP Varieté Theater,
different shows can be
viewed, such as Duo Poko
Poko until 6 January: partner
acrobatics at the highest
level.

Essen.
CHANGE THROUGH CULTURE - CULTURE THROUGH CHANGE
WELCOME TO THE RUHR!
Discovery. Experience. Movement.
This is the Ruhrgebiet’s motto as it competes for
the title of “European Capital of Culture 2010.”
Get involved and celebrate with us! We want to welcome
Europe and the world as a dynamic cultural
region and as a fascinating location at the heart of
Europe.
Change through culture - Culture through change.
This is our guiding principle during the run-up to
2010. Join us on our way to Europe!
Essen Tourist Office | Touristikzentrale Essen
Im Hauptbahnhof 2 | 45127 Essen
Phone + 49 (0) 201 19433
+ 49 (0) 201 88 720-48
Fax +49 (0) 201 88 720-44
touristikzentrale@essen.de