Coal Mine Museum, Fohnsdorf

We proudly present our concept for a Coal Mine Museum for Fohnsdorf, Styria, Austria. At almost 1200m depth, Fohnsdorf was home to the world’s deepest brown coal mine. The museum doubles as a stark memorial of how harsh and dangerous mining was. Between 1910 and up to its closure in 1978, the mine has taken over 270 lives, leaving behind what must have been a devastated community.

The design concept for the museum revolves around creating an authentic and evocative experience that pays homage to the mine's history while fostering reflection and remembrance. The architecture merges modern elements with industrial aesthetics, incorporating materials such as steel, concrete, and reclaimed wood to evoke the atmosphere of the underground mining environment.