FAIR Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research, Darmstadt, Germany
![FAIR Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research, Darmstadt, Germany](
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-08_Aerial-2-NS.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-08_Aerial-2-NS.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-08_Aerial-2-NS.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-08_Aerial-2-NS.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-08_Aerial-2-NS.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-08_Aerial-2-NS.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-08_Aerial-2-NS.width-120.jpg)
© ion42
The Darmstadt based FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) intends to build an international accelerator facility. The architectural practices DGI Bauwerk, Berlin, and schneider+schumacher, Frankfurt, were able to convince those responsible that they could deliver the optimal design and realization. This new joint venture is called ion42, an expression derived from physics as well as literature; an ion being a central element of the scientific work of FAIR, and “42” being the famous “Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything” from the book “Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy” by Douglas Adams.
A total of 20 buildings for experiments, laboratories and plant rooms are being built. They will serve an underground accelerator ring of 1,100 m diameter. On an area of almost 150,000 m2 GFA the scientists will research matter, the origin of the universe and its development.
![FAIR Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research, Darmstadt, Germany](
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-07_Aerial-1-EW.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-07_Aerial-1-EW.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-07_Aerial-1-EW.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-07_Aerial-1-EW.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-07_Aerial-1-EW.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-07_Aerial-1-EW.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_ion42_2022_Render-07_Aerial-1-EW.width-120.jpg)
© ion42, D. Fehrenz, GSI/FAIR
c ion42/GSI-FAIR
Some impressions from the construction site
![Getting technical: The compressor hall will house technical support for cryogenics – a technique for generating exceptionally cold temperatures. Here, at minus 270 degrees Celsius … freezing! This low temperature is needed to keep the magnets cool, in order to improve particle control.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05560.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05560.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05560.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05560.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05560.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05560.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05560.width-120.jpg)
Getting technical: The compressor hall will house technical support for cryogenics – a technique for generating exceptionally cold temperatures. Here, at minus 270 degrees Celsius … freezing! This low temperature is needed to keep the magnets cool, in order to improve particle control.
© Norbert Miguletz
![Our Ring Tunnel T110. The earth excavated here will eventually be back-filled.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05685.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05685.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05685.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05685.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05685.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05685.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05685.width-120.jpg)
Our Ring Tunnel T110. The earth excavated here will eventually be back-filled.
© Norbert Miguletz
![There are two of these access buildings on site. They enable scientists to quickly reach the Ring lying 20 metres below ground level.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05714.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05714.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05714.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05714.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05714.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05714.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05714.width-120.jpg)
There are two of these access buildings on site. They enable scientists to quickly reach the Ring lying 20 metres below ground level.
© Norbert Miguletz
![An air-duct penetrates the concrete slab via a flange arrangement.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05864.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05864.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05864.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05864.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05864.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05864.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05864.width-120.jpg)
An air-duct penetrates the concrete slab via a flange arrangement.
© Norbert Miguletz
![Tunnel with improvised air-duct.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05984.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05984.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05984.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05984.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05984.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05984.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-05984.width-120.jpg)
Tunnel with improvised air-duct.
© Norbert Miguletz
![Counterweights at the base of the rotating tower crane.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06071.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06071.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06071.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06071.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06071.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06071.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06071.width-120.jpg)
Counterweights at the base of the rotating tower crane.
© Norbert Miguletz
![Evening ambiance in excavation pit no. 11, and delivery ramp.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06125.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06125.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06125.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06125.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06125.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06125.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06125.width-120.jpg)
Evening ambiance in excavation pit no. 11, and delivery ramp.
© Norbert Miguletz
![Our master crane on site.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06201.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06201.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06201.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06201.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06201.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06201.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06201.width-120.jpg)
Our master crane on site.
© Norbert Miguletz
![The intersection building viewed from above – in principle it functions like a motorway intersection.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06268.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06268.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06268.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06268.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06268.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06268.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06268.width-120.jpg)
The intersection building viewed from above – in principle it functions like a motorway intersection.
© Norbert Miguletz
![Not 007, but building number 004.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06291.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06291.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06291.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06291.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06291.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06291.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06291.width-120.jpg)
Not 007, but building number 004.
© Norbert Miguletz
![You need a good head for heights here!](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06424.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06424.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06424.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06424.width-1280_ngJTmAu.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06424.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06424.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06424.width-120.jpg)
You need a good head for heights here!
© Norbert Miguletz
![Crane number 18.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06429.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06429.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06429.width-1024_NplBRiB.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06429.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06429.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06429.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06429.width-120.jpg)
Crane number 18.
© Norbert Miguletz
![Diverse ‘building props’: temporarily required load-bearing or supportive auxiliary structures needed to complete a building phase on site.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06460.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06460.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06460.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06460.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06460.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06460.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06460.width-120.jpg)
Diverse ‘building props’: temporarily required load-bearing or supportive auxiliary structures needed to complete a building phase on site.
© Norbert Miguletz
![Neatly stacked: Formwork and scaffolding on site.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06473.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06473.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06473.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06473.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06473.width-1920_IgIE1bQ.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06473.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06473.width-120.jpg)
Neatly stacked: Formwork and scaffolding on site.
© Norbert Miguletz
![Terrain is characterised by its pattern of stratification. This picture shows the terrain around M8 where material is continuously being delivered and excavated.](
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06474.width-360.jpg 360w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06474.width-768.jpg 768w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06474.width-1024.jpg 1024w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06474.width-1280.jpg 1280w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06474.width-1920.jpg 1920w,
/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06474.width-2560.jpg 2560w)
![](/media/images/sunds_FAIR-12-21-06474.width-120.jpg)
Terrain is characterised by its pattern of stratification. This picture shows the terrain around M8 where material is continuously being delivered and excavated.
© Norbert Miguletz
Construction time / duration |
2008 - approximately 2025 |
Project type |
Research facility |
Client |
Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research in Europe GmbH, Darmstadt |
Architects |
ion42 (DGI Bauwerk and schneider+schumacher) |