University building HU

BTP6 PROJECT WITH DESIGN + TECHNICAL FOCUS
PROF. AXEL OESTREICH
B.SC. – BTU COTTBUS-SENFTENBERG
08.2017 – 6. SEMESTER

TEAMWORK WITH SOPHIA GANSAUGE

PROJECT W/ TECHNICAL FOCUS
B.SC. – BTU COTTBUS
PROF. AXEL OESTREICH
08.2017 – 6. SEMESTER

TEAMWORK W/ S. GANSAUGE

PROJECT WITH DESIGN + TECHNICAL FOCUS
PROF. AXEL OESTREICH
B.SC. – BTU COTTBUS-SENFTENBERG
08.2017 – 6. SEMESTER

TEAMWORK WITH SOPHIA GANSAUGE

A new teaching and research complex for optobiology at the Humboldt Universität, located in the heart of Berlin, ought to be planned in an economically viable and aesthetically pleasing way. Particularly demanding was the high planning effort for various technical fields – especially regarding high standards for laboratories, fire protection and construction detailing – and as a consequence of the preexisting built environment.

The given spatial programme was to be allocated at a comparatively small site. Therefore, we opted for the partial demolition of the existing building, as much of it was in a rather deplorable state. The well-preserved masonry villa was spared from this fate to serve as a cornerstone for the further concept development.

Three new buildings were arranged orthogonally to each other, forming a clear unit along with the villa. The thereby resulting inner patio ensures an optimal exposure to daylight and a calm working atmosphere inside of the complex. The glazed interstices form logical entrances. Two corridors – one inside and the other directly overlooking the courtyard – allow an efficient circulation and offer informal meeting points, respectively.

Optobiology is the control of biological processes through light. Hence, “light” as a subject was central for the design. One example of this are the stairwells, where perforations on the outer concrete slabs allow a diffuminated trespassing of daylight, producing a singular atmopshere on the inside. Furthermore, these perforated concrete slabs structure the facade and make the inner vertical circulation legible from the outside.

Top to bottom:

-1 Underground
0 Ground floor
1 First floor
2 Second floor
3 Third floor
4 Fourth floor

Auditorium, laboratories & research rooms, technical rooms (ventilation), storage
Foyer, inner patio, laboratories & study rooms, computer pool
Laboratories & study rooms, small auditorium, big teaching lab
Laboratories & study rooms, small terrace, small cafeteria
Canteen, kitchen & big terrace
Canteen 2nd floor

Left to right:

-1 Underground
0 Ground floor
1 First floor
2 Second floor
3 Third floor
4 Fourth floor

Section S1 and S2

Elevation East and North

The exposed concrete surfaces let the existing masonry building shine and define the “new” and the “old” at a glance.

Perspective from canteen’s terrace

Finally, it may be worth noting that although this is a fictional task, the HU issued a competition regarding an optobiology centre in 2019 (albeit at a different, nearby location).

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