Messe Essen is presenting itself as a modern, international marketplace for around 1.5 million visitors each year. In line with this aspiration, the grounds were fully rebuilt and modernised – while continuously in operation. Fewer yet more large-scale halls, a new logistics centre and an inviting new face for the eastern side of the site were the core elements of the plan, designed by sop as a member of the ARGE general planning team.

The 2,000m² glass foyer at the East Entrance welcomes international guests with a spacious, urban-style forecourt. The open-plan foyer, almost 12m high, draws visitors into the interlinked exhibition halls. The halls on the northern part of the exhibition location are completely redeveloped in several phases. The new Hall 6, located in the centre of the exhibition complex, houses a business club and the service centre. To create a blended transition to the adjoining Gruga Park, the halls to the north feature staggered building heights, decreasing from 10 metres. Broad facade openings in the form of glazed portals give the exhibition halls a more relaxed feel and create attractive sightlines  to the green spaces of the Gruga Park.