RWE-Turm

The RWE tower dominates Essen’s skyline and has now become the city’s landmark. With its 162 m (incl. antenna), it is the second-highest building in North Rhine-Westphalia and the world’s first ecological skyscraper. It was designed by architect Christoph Ingenhoven and built in 1996. Its transparent appearance is part of its ecological concept: Ambient air flows into large round openings called "fish mouths". It passes through the space between the double glass façade, thus dissipating the warm air in summer. The aim is to reduce energy consumption and improve the air in the offices. Tours are held on every third Saturday from March to October. The tour’s highlight: the fantastic panorama view from the observation platform 120 m above the ground.