100 Years in the Smallest Space
The name Otto Röhm is closely associated with the branded product Plexiglas(R). The transparent plastic therefore also plays a central role in the official exhibition marking the 100th birthday of the Hessian entrepreneur. A particular challenge for exhibition builder AMECKO was to condense Röhm’s life’s work into the smallest possible presentation area. The commemorative exhibition will remain in the main entrance area of Evonik’s Darmstadt site until the end of October, at the former company headquarters of the former Röhm GmbH.
The project was realized entirely by AMECKO GmbH—from planning and the educational concept through to on-site implementation. Several exhibits trace the development of Plexiglas from its invention in 1933 to the present day. Among other things, the very first existing sample of the material is on display. The exhibits are surrounded by what “makes up the story,” as Klaus Zittrich, Managing Director of the Oberhausen-based exhibition construction company, adds: “We produced the rear walls and display cases in the finest workmanship from Plexiglas.” Otto Röhm further developed his father’s invention and gave the branded product global recognition. Röhm also restored the chemical company founded by his father to international renown in the post-war years; it has since been absorbed into Evonik Industries AG.
When planning the exhibition project, the spatial conditions demanded particular creativity from AMECKO. “The area was relatively clearly defined by escape routes and safety requirements and was limited in size,” explains Zittrich. “For us, this meant that we had to bring together the various stages of Otto Röhm’s life in the smallest possible space.” Another consequence of its location in the building’s main entrance is the open design, which also facilitates the straightforward reuse of the modular system for future exhibitions elsewhere.
The current presentation also benefits from a deliberate blend of digital animation and historical exhibits provided by Otto Röhm’s descendants. In addition to the original desk of the industrial leader, the exhibits also include the photo album that Röhm was given for his 90th birthday, illustrating the company’s entire history. To protect the book from possible damage, the album’s contents are played back digitally so that visitors do not have to leaf through the original.