For a long time, the idea of a microclimatic capsule under which simple buildings can be erected appeared to be utopian. But thanks to many committed project partners it only took ten years until the visionary idea was realized on Mont Cenis:

1990

Architecture competition run by IBA Emscher Park and Herne council.Since this competition Jourda et Perraudin have been working with the architects Hegger Schleif, Kassel.

1993

Thanks to an EU research commission the innovative environmental concept of the microclimatic capsule was tested scientifically and declared to be feasible in

1994

The planning team was extended by the engineers Ove Arup and Partners, London and Agibat. The latest developments in photovoltaic enabled a more realistic planning of the solar field for the roof of the microclimatic capsule. The Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mont Cenis (EMC) was founded as the contractor.

1995

Two years were necessary to solve the legal and financial problems and to resolve reservations and doubts at various levels.

1996

Detailed planning started. Schlaich Bergermann und Partner from Stuttgart, together with HL-Technik, Frankfurt/Main, took over from Ove Arup and Partners. Project management was in the hands of DMP GmbH, Stuttgart.

1997

Franz-Josef Kniola, the Minister of the Interior for North Rhine-Westphalia, and Wolfgang Becker, Herne's mayor, laid the foundation stone for the continuing training academy.

1998

Construction Minister Michael Vesper takes part in the topping-out ceremony with building workers.

1999

North Rhine-Westphalia's premier Wolfgang Clement gave the address at the official opening of the Mont Cenis Academy in Herne.