In 3183, Europe will have its pyramid. Its construction mechanism is very particular and differs from that used in antiquity.
The pyramids obviously think about Egypt. These are exceptional monuments of Antiquity which still attract many tourists. Would we be able or eager to rebuild such architectural wonders these days? There is little chance. However, a new pyramid should see the light of day in Europe. It will consist of concrete or stone blocks 1.2m long, 1.2m wide and 1.8m high, while the ancient pyramids such as those of Giza were made of limestone, mortar or granite. The building will take place at the top of a hill and must ultimately measure 9.2 meters high, while the Great Pyramid of Giza is 136.
Its construction began in 1993 in Wemding, Germany, but will not end until 3183. The German artist Manfred Laber chose a very specific construction method. Every ten years, one of the 120 blocks required is added. To date, it therefore has only four: that of 1993, 2003, 2013 and 2023. The fifth block will be placed in 2033. It is not very beautiful to admire for the moment.
The construction was launched to celebrate the 1200th anniversary of the city and represent this same duration with a block per year, except that it falls at 1190 years because there was a starting block. It aims to make time more tangible, hence its name “Zeitpyramide”, or time pyramid. The work of art is intended to continue its path without the artist, who lost his life in 2018 at 86 years old. A foundation was created to perpetuate the project
A model of the future pyramid is exposed to the Kunstmuseum Donau-Ries and a QR code allows to have an overview of the work of art of the future in augmented reality, indicates the city site. The construction plan is also already specified. The lower layer will be made up of 64 blocks per row of 8 and should end in 2623. The second will consist of 36 blocks divided into 6 rows, ready in 2983, the third of 16 blocks in 4×4 for 3143 and the last in 4 2×2 blocks for a completion in 3183.
If the construction is scheduled in 1190 years, the survival of the building then may not be as long. The lifespan of concrete is 50 to 100 years, it will therefore be necessary to maintain it and protect it from bad weather to make the work of art continue.