Drachenbrücke (Dragon Bridge) 

General Information 

 

Completion:                          2008 

Structure:                              girder bridge 

Function/usage:                  pedestrian bridge (footbridge) 

Material:                                Steel-reinforced concrete composite bridge 

Location:                               Drachenbrücke, 45661 Recklinghausen 

Coordinates:                         51° 33` 56.00`` N  7° 10` 29.00`` E 

Total length:                         165m 

Deck width:                           3.5m 

Pylon height:                          18m 

Since the beginning of 2008, the 'Drachenbrücke' has connected the district park Hochlarmark (former site of the Recklinghausen II colliery) and the triangular settlement behind it with the Hoheward heap. It was developed by Ralf Wörzberger. For pedestrians and cyclists the bridge offers a curved overpass over the Cranger Straße in the shape of a dragon skeleton whose ribs serve as a holder for the railing. Dragon's neck and head are turned back, as if the dragon is looking down at its visitors. The opening of the 1.5-million-euro building has been delayed several times. The reasons for this were, among other things, planning shortcomings and the increased construction costs due to the increased world market price for steel. Although the building suggests a rather light construction, the total mass amounts to 198 tons. The Dragon Bridge is 165 meters long without the dragon's head. It is a pity that in the past the bridge has repeatedly been the victim of vandalism. Thus, the bridge was smeared with graffiti or locks were attached to the bridge, which had to be removed regularly. 
 

The Veltins arena in Gelsenkirchen is the football stadium of the German football member FC Schalke 04 of the Bundesliga. The Veltins arena is in the geographical middle of Gelsenkirchen. The stadium is perfectly for people who like the sport and events like Ski or concerts.

 It was finished in August, 2001 after three-year-old construction time. The architect of the stadium are Hubert Petschnigg, Günter Kus and Hemut Hentrich. The price of the construction was 197 mio. Euro. With football matches at national level the arena catches 62.271 spectators. The multi-function stadium also serves as a place for concerts, opera performances and a place for ski competitions. The roof reaches about the complete stadium. The part about the field can be opened. During the plays of the football national league the roof is often open except with snow or strong rain. Beside the plays of the football club other events also take place in the Veltins arena. Moreover, the arena was used for concerts by AC / DC, Bon Jovi, Coldplay. 

All in all, the Veltins is arena a really cool place for the pleasure, because in the whole year there are events like football or concerts. Moreover, it is a landmark of the football in the Ruhr-Area and has a very interesting architecture.