niemeyer sphere: one of brazilian architect's final projects takes shape in germany

construction on the ‘niemeyer sphere’ — one of the last projects designed by brazilian architect oscar niemeyer — is well underway in leipzig, germany

located on the grounds of techne sphere leipzig, the factory site of HeiterBlick and kirow ardelt, the sphere will serve as an employee cafeteria for on site staff. the structure latches onto the corner of an existing brick building, which forms part of a larger industrial complex on the outskirts of the german city.in 2017, artnet reported that oscar niemeyer was approached to design the sphere in 2011 — a year before the great modernist architect passed away. the scheme is based off one of niemeyer’s sketches with the project to be realized with the help of one of his assistants. the sphere has now taken its place as part of techne sphere leipzig, the factory site of both tram-maker HeiterBlick and railway-crane manufacturers kirow ardelt.

the first images of the project, taken by photographer paul clemence from ARCHI-PHOTO, show the building’s concrete outer shell nearing completion. glazing, defined by an expressive lattice pattern, will be used to ensure that the interior is filled with natural light. once complete, the structure will contain an employee cafeteria as well as a lounge and bar.