Die Welle
schneider + schumacher
Image: Wolfgang Günzel
100 tons of self-supporting aluminium sheets are brought to life
The Frankfurt office building "Welle" - also known as the horizontal high-rise - changed ownership in 2015. The new owner aimed to enhance the quality of life within the building, with a particular focus on the outdoor areas. After several proposals, Frankfurt architects schneider+schumacher were chosen for their concept of the 'Welle' sculpture ensemble. This breathtaking design consists of seven unique sculptures that captivate the senses. At the top of this ensemble stands the majestic 'Glorious Arch,' rising 18 meters high, which not only reaches the greatest height but also serves as an incomparable artistic and urban landmark.
Image: schneider+schumacher / Ragunath Vasudevan
The result of 19,000 hours of precise craftsmanship
In a materials competition, Arnold proposed the innovative idea of building the wave from 100 tons of aluminum sheets. Using concrete would have been impractical, and wood too expensive to maintain. The result is a structure that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also technically exceptional.
Unlike conventional designs, the sculpture was not merely a steel structure clad in sheet metal. Each individual sculpture within the wave is self-supporting, enclosed in its own sheet metal skin. In order to manage the resulting shear forces, internal aluminum rods with a diameter of 50 millimeters were incorporated to ensure the structure's stability.
The individual components of the project were meticulously planned using parametric design.
What does not yet exist will be developed by us.
Image: schneider+schumacher / Ragunath Vasudevan
A project of superlatives
Meticulous craftsmanship were dedicated to this project. Each sheet, measuring 6 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, was individually cut and bent by hand using a custom-made round rolling machine specially modified fort he project to ensure maximum precision.
Arnold even developed a special welding process for the production of the shaft, which made it possible: allowing solid seams to be welded. This innovation significantly reduced the need for subsequent straightening work and thus optimized the production process.
Logistics presented their own challenges: transporting the prefabricated components, some up to 38 meters long, required special vehicles and equipment. The final assembly at the construction site was achieved with the help of hydraulic lifting frames and mobile indoor cranes. The installation of the sculpture was not only a technical achievement but also a captivating event that drew the attention of numerous spectators.
Image: schneider+schumacher / Ragunath Vasudevan
Image: schneider+schumacher / Ragunath Vasudevan
Image: schneider+schumacher / Ragunath Vasudevan
Image: schneider+schumacher / Ragunath Vasudevan
Image: schneider+schumacher / Ragunath Vasudevan
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