After demolishing a 120 hectare industrial facility, the present-day Biotürme (Bio Towers) rise up as a final remaining relic of a green industrial wasteland. Refurbished as part of IBA see, they almost look like a medieval fortress, forming a unique backdrop for cultural events of all kinds. 

In the 1950s, metallurgical coke was produced for the first time from lignite. An immense coking plant was built in Lauchhammer, resulting in large quantities of wastewater containing phenol. This water was biologically treated and purified with bacteria in a special plant, the bio towers. These towers from the large-scale coking plant are the only reminder of this in the city of Lauchhammer. Virtually all other industrial plants have disappeared from the cityscape after the closure and demolition of the briquette factories, the power station and coking plant. The industrial culture was a key element of the new landscape for IBA see. In accordance with the motto “The future needs an origin”, particularly impressive testimonies to the region’s industrial history were to be preserved and repurposed. 

Together with the Monument Protection Authority and many other stakeholders, the IBA embarked on a struggle that lasted years to preserve this unique identity-giving industrial monument. Successfully: A management body was found who immediately began refurbishment. The towers were equipped with two glass viewing platforms, that give visitors an overview of the expanse of the former coking plant. In 2008, the bio towers were opened as an accessible industrial monument and event location. Today, the backdrop between the towers are used for performances, concerts and art installations.