The result is a graffiti that deals with the central research topic of the facility and combines it with the artistic expression possibilities of art. Affixed to the outer façade of the storage facility, the artwork is intended to bring visitors to the "FFB PreFab" closer to our centrepiece - the battery cell - and arouse their curiosity.

Münster-based façade designer Ben Gertz was selected for the artistic collaboration. After an initial meeting on site in 2023, the creative work began, in which new impulses, ideas and food for thought continuously flowed in and significantly shaped the artwork.

About the artwork

The result is an artwork that visualises the structure of a battery cell: A battery consists of two electrodes: the cathode, the positive electrode of a lithium battery, consists of a coated aluminium foil, while the anode, the negative electrode, consists of a coated copper foil. Both coatings consist mainly of the so-called active material, which is primarily responsible for storing and releasing the lithium ions. The active material of the aluminium foil usually consists of a combination of nickel, cobalt or manganese oxide and is represented by a grey bar in the artwork.

The copper foil, on the other hand, is coated with graphite and is symbolised by a black bar. The separator, which separates the electrical contact between the anode and cathode, is located in the centre. A green lightning bolt runs through the artwork and symbolises the transfer of green energy by representing the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy. The floating aluminium and copper foils, as conductive materials, lend the artwork a dynamic lightness. Surrounded by green, abstract elements, our understanding of values for innovative and sustainable battery cell production is emphasised.

Behind the artist name "Stadtrandbengel" is Ben Gertz (*1985) from Münster-Handorf. He has dedicated his professional and private life to the art of graffiti for 20 years and has discovered his passion for the creative use of colours and shapes. After training as a media designer and working in various advertising agencies, he set up his own business as a facade designer and illustrator ten years ago. Since then, he has designed numerous façades, offices, garage doors and private spaces in Münster and the surrounding area, including the signal box at Hiltrup railway station. For him, the fascination with graffiti lies in creating his own alphabet with the resulting letters and applying them to the walls.

To the website of the artist