The history of the Ruhr region is closely linked to the history of labour, especially industrial labour. So it is not surprising that in Dortmund, the biggest city in the Ruhr region with its rich industrial history, a museum is dedicated entirely to the diverse aspects of working environments.

Through the exhibition visitors can go on a journey back in time, starting with loud and noisy workplaces in factories, where big machines were driven by steam engines, or dusty work places such as weaving mills, where fabric were made, to the dangerous workplace of steelworkers, where you can grasp the dimension of a steel mill by going around huge elements of a blast furnace. In addition to the many aspects of physical work, one can also trace the history of office work, which has become increasingly mechanised and meanwhile digitalised. DASA focuses particularly on the various hazards in the workplace. Whether it is the aforementioned loud noises that have permanently damaged the hearing of many workers, or the physical discomfort caused by a sedentary job. The special thing about the DASA is that it invites visitors to participate in many places, so that work processes can be simulated much better. For example, there is an aeroplane and a truck simulator, or the possibility to see the inside of an ambulance or a helicopter.

Therefore, for all participants, the excursion was not only about listening to the guided tour or reading explanatory texts, but above all about trying things out and experiencing them for themselves. The truck simulator was particularly appealing to everyone, while the aircraft simulator was unfortunately closed. Each CompEng was allowed to sit on a truck seat and instead of looking out of the driver's window, they looked at three large displays that simulated the view from the driver's seat and the side mirrors. It turns out that such an 18-metre-long vehicle is not at all easy to operate. The lane always seemed too narrow, and when oncoming traffic came or the lane was changed, a side mirror fell victim. Luckily, it was all just a simulation and no one got hurt, except maybe one or the other ego.

If you would like to visit the DASA again on your own, or if you were unfortunately unable to take part in our excursion, please note that entrance is currently free.

The CompEng Support Team is already looking forward to the next excursion. More details will be announced soon.