Sugar, coal, climate protection: the transformation of the Herrmannschacht briquette factory

The Herrmannschacht briquette factory in Zeitz is the oldest preserved factory of its kind in the world. From the formation of lignite in the lignite forest to processing and briquette production, numerous relics on the site bear witness to the mining era in Central Germany. We were commissioned with the concept study to transform this historic site into an interactive industrial monument – one that also consistently turns the visitor’s gaze toward the future.

It all began with sugar

Sugar manufacturer Richard Herrmann needed energy to produce his sugar. So he bought the surrounding lignite fields and had the Herrmannschacht briquette factory built by 1889. From then on, Herrmann devoted himself entirely to lignite and its refinement. We bring the history of the place to life in the factory owner’s parlor: Visitors meet Richard Herrmann and interactively explore the link between sugar and coal.

The journey of coal

How do plants become coal? Where does the energy in coal come from? How are briquettes made and what are they used for? On a discovery tour through the briquette factory, we explore the path of coal from the coal forest to the finished briquette at numerous hands-on stations. At the same time, relics of the lignite industry provide an insight into everyday working life. We also interact with former factory workers who share their memories with us.

Where does coal's energy come from? And what does our atmosphere have to do with it?

Huge machines for transporting, crushing and pressing coal tell of the time of the lignite industry.

How is coal made from plant residues? We make pressure.

The factory workers' work was hard. How did that feel? We meet and remember in the middle of the factory.

The 'Alte Schmiede' (old smithy) was the workshop of the briquette factory and is still in working order today. It is also used as a registry office for weddings.

Old meets new – a special place for climate protection and visions for the future

In future, the former lignite site will not only be an industrial monument, but also a lively place for climate protection. A place where sustainability is explored and debated: Bioplastics made from sugar? Repairing broken devices yourself? Renewable energies in the private sector? Events such as workshops, lectures and info days with a focus on energy and future topics as a central attraction concept appeal to various target groups. As part of the plan, we’ve designed key spaces like the Ideas Workshop and the sustainable Café Zukunft. These event venues also offer atmospheric settings for concerts and staged readings, all set against the striking industrial backdrop.

Old also meets new in terms of design. Black and white materials symbolize the two branches of industry at the site: sugar and coal. For the interactive tour, the unheated, listed existing rooms of the briquette factory are extended by modern room-in-room boxes. In the outdoor area, a mix of materials from the existing old and new buildings characterizes the world of experience. A footbridge will connect the south and north areas and will also serve as the location for the ideas workshop. Park-like green areas surround large exhibits such as machines and trains and, in combination with seating, create a pleasant atmosphere. Locomotives are accessible via footbridges. A mining-themed playground and an interactive model train round off the experience.