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Das wortreich in Bad Hersfeld is a knowledge and experience exhibition for language and communication. On 1,200 m² there are 90 exhibits that appeal to all the senses. The interactive exhibition, which opened in autumn 2011, is suitable for all age groups. Das wortreich is an extracurricular place of learning that offers seminars, workshops and guided tours in addition to the exhibition. With its concept of introducing language and communication to visitors in an imaginative and playful way, the Science Center is unique in Germany.
history
Earlier that had shields AG tightness in Bad Hersfeld. In the early 1970s, the company was merged with Babcock-BSH , which went bankrupt in 2002. Despite the takeover by Grenzebach BSH, it was unclear what should be done with the industrial site. Due to the central location, reviving production was not an option. As part of a follow-up application to the 2014 State Garden Show, for which Bad Hersfeld had applied, the idea arose to transform the 5.5 hectare area into a leisure area. The old factory buildings were demolished unless they were listed. In addition, a group of citizens had formed who worked on the concept that had been created. The stream flowing through the area, the Geis, has largely been renatured . The construction costs of around six million euros were funded by the European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ), state funds and city funds. In the autumn of 2011 it was ceremoniously opened, with Heiner Lauterbach , Katja Flint , Stefan Gödde and Peter Nottmeier among the first visitors . In 2014 the newly created park was awarded the urban development award.
concept
The exhibition is structured like a large book with 11 chapters. The red thread begins in the entrance area, which at the same time symbolizes a bookmark that leads into the story and remains stylized as a white line in all chapters. The content of the exhibition is structured on two levels. On the one hand, it is technically oriented and brings visitors closer to language and communication in various ways. Each chapter contains a different focus. On the other hand, the story of a fictional Konrad links the individual chapters and thus ensures linearity. The story of Konrad is told by his daughter, who lets visitors immerse themselves in the story immediately after entering and then accompanies them. If you hear about a Konrad in the exhibition, the fictional personality is always meant.
At the beginning of each chapter there is an overview which is visually reminiscent of a book and which briefly explains the contents of the chapter and tells Konrad's story. His story can be heard and read. The visitor walks through the various stages in the life of the fictional character Konrad.
- Chapter 1 : We discover the German language
Konrad's story begins at his home when he was a child. With it, the visitor discovers phenomena of the German language and among other things can play sinking words on the "kitchen table" in the exhibition room, the design of which is based on an apartment.
- Chapter 2 : We (don't) get along
During puberty, Konrad noticed that interpersonal communication did not always run smoothly and that conflicts could quickly arise. Schulz von Thun's four-ear model describes the different levels on which a statement can be perceived. Young people's language is also discussed and one's own knowledge can be tested on a cell phone, which is also linked to another cell phone in Chapter 10.
- Chapter 3 : We make theater
Theater, music, singing and dance as means of expression fascinate the young Konrad so much that he becomes part of the theater group at school. In this chapter there are different sets, including a replica of the monastery ruins. The original is used every year for the festival in Bad Hersfeld.
- Chapter 4 : We Speak Other Languages
The VW Bulli T2 and warm, sunny colors create a holiday mood when you enter Chapter 4. Konrad loved to travel, which made him more open and tolerant of other cultures. Gestures can differ from country to country and you need sensitivity in order not to make a mistake. In addition to the experience of interpreting simultaneously, the various languages of Europe can be guessed on a large interactive map.
- Chapter 5 : We Play and Love with Words
It is love that prompts Konrad to creatively experiment with language in order to express his feelings. The word mixer helps create imaginative prose .
- Chapter 6 : We experiment with the voice
Konrad watches his daughter as she plays with her voice. He realizes that you can do a lot with your voice. Various exercises that train the voice can be tried out in the voice spa. An interactive dialect map illustrates the diversity of the language throughout Germany.
- Chapter 7 : We Love Stories
The protagonist Konrad likes to tell stories and immerse himself in other worlds. Fairy tales can be retold or listened to and a radio play recorded in a cozy atmosphere. The imagination is stimulated and encouraged.
- Chapter 8 : We Talk to the Body
Since Konrad's second daughter has a hearing impairment, the family depends on non-verbal communication. Although gestures and facial expressions reveal a lot about your own feelings, sign language and the sign alphabet help with understanding. In the brightly decorated chapter you can also try the game Mindball .
- Chapter 9 : We Network
Konrad was enthusiastic about technology and liked to do handicrafts on his workbench. The age of (modern) communication technologies begins in this chapter, which is structured like a large tinkerer's workshop. In addition to an original Zuse Z22R from Konrad Zuse, there is a 3D printer to marvel at.
- Chapter 10 : We Let Words Live
After many years, Konrad decides to write down his (life) story. He plays with letters and experiments with secret scripts. Visitors can also write encrypted texts and leave traces in the exhibition using graffiti.
- Chapter 11 : We Explore the Wildlife
Konrad's daughter says that in old age her father often sat in the garden and watched the animals. Although animals cannot speak, they have a system of communication that takes place via smells, for example. The last chapter is reminiscent of a garden in which one z. B. can complete an olfactory course or understand the bee dance.
exhibition
In wortreich there are over 90 interactive exhibits that work visually, haptically , olfactory , auditory, mechanically or via touchscreen. Over 50% of the exhibits were made exclusively for the wortreich and enable visitors to explore the world of language and communication on their own. Konrad's story can be heard and read. Explanations of the individual stations can be found right next to the exhibits. They are made available in German, English and in Braille . There are also questionnaires for all age groups. The permanent exhibition, which is located on the first floor of the building, is complemented by special exhibitions. In the early summer of 2016, for example, the Mathematikum from Gießen was a guest at wortreich .
Traveling exhibition
Das wortreich has a traveling exhibition, LiebesLeben , which was on view in February 2017 in Kassel in the dez shopping center . This exhibition deals with everything to do with love - from the initial butterflies in your stomach to heartache.
backgrounds
Two great personalities worked and lived in Bad Hersfeld, which means that their traces can be found in the exhibition. Konrad Duden , one of the sources of inspiration for Konrad presented in the exhibition, was director of the Royal High School in Hersfeld for 29 years (now named after him: Konrad-Duden-Schule). He spent many years of his life in Bad Hersfeld. His work on standardizing German spelling and grammar is of great importance for the word rich. Konrad Zuse , who built the first functioning electronic computer, can be seen as the founder of modern communication technology. One of his computers, the Z22R, is in the exhibition and can be admired there.
Das wortreich was created in cooperation with numerous institutions that have incorporated both pedagogical and scientifically sound knowledge. The name is ambiguous and can be read as an adjective or a noun. As an adjective, Wortreich in Bad Hersfeld means that Bad Hersfeld is a city where visitors and residents are rich in words. The word as a noun denotes a wealth of words. The logo is a small w on which three dots are arranged. On the one hand it stands for the first letter of word rich, on the other hand it represents three stylized people who communicate with each other.
Courses offered
In the large building there are additional rooms on the second floor that are used for various events. In addition to workshops and seminars, guided tours are offered.