"Mitoseum" Entrance Structure in Kleinwelka Dinosaur Park, Germany

The entrance structure to Kleinwelka Dinosaur Park near Bautzen, Germany has a total height of 72 ft and resembles mitosis. Mitosis is a type of cell division and the origin of life. The bionic structure consists of 1,389 steel tube members assembled together at 269 joints.

"Mitoseum" Reception Building in Kleinwelka Dinosaur Park

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Bionic Steel Structure

A total of ~ 84 metric tons (92.594 US tons) of steel were used for the project. The translucent roof, with a total surface area of approximately 2,300 m² (24,757 ft²), was realized using 463 ETFE foil cushions.

In addition to the entrance area, a souvenir shop, restrooms, adventure area, and a gallery are available in the building. Visitors will also notice a colossal Spinosaurus welcoming them at the main entrance.

Stahlbau Hahner GmbH in Petersberg and rimpf Architektur in Hamburg received an award for the structure at "Deutscher Verzinkerpreis 2017" (3rd place, Architecture). The engineers of zapf & co. from Strausberg were responsible for the structural analysis of the steel structure, as well as the foil cushions. The spatial structure was analyzed in RSTAB and the cushions in Easy.

The "Mitoseum" is a spectacular and at the same time eco-friendly lightweight steel and membrane construction.

Client	Beteiligungs- und Betriebsgesellschaft Bautzen mbH, Bautzen www.bb-bautzen.de
Architect	rimpf Architektur, Hamburg www.rimpf.de
Structural Analysis	zapf & co. – structural engineering GmbH, Strausberg www.zapf-co.de Ingenieurbüro für Struktur + Festigkeit Conrad Hansen, Kiel www.sf-ingenieure.de
General Contractor	Velabran GmbH, Munich velabran.com