Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences Extension, German higher education building redevelopment, Germany architecture
Darmstadt University, Germany
C10 highrise: German Education Building design by Staab Architekten.
20 Sep 2013
Design: Staab Architekten
Location: Darmstadt, southwest Germany – a city near Frankfurt.
Darmstadt University Redevelopment Germany
German University Redevelopment
The C10 highrise at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, built in the mid-1960s, required architectural and technical refurbishment in order to reinforce its iconic status as sole highrise in the area announcing the campus throughout the city. The building is used as a teaching and research centre for the departments of mathematics and natural science and also houses the university’s central administration. The 16-storey rectangular structure was dismantled down to its reinforced concrete shell and cleared of hazardous materials.
Darmstadt University building facade:
photo from architecture practice
New energy systems and technical facilities were installed for a sustainable modern standard and the building was extended to meet fire protection requirements. The mathematics and natural sciences faculties with their lecture halls, seminar and training rooms, labs and offices are now found on the 3rd-10th floors. The 1st and 2nd floors hold double-storey lecture halls with graduated seating. The central university administration occupies the upper floors (11th-14th).
photo from architect
Each façade was conceived differently according to its setting within the campus and the compass direction it faces in order to ensure maximum sustainability. The distinctive appearance of the longitudinal south façade calls attention to the main entrance and features three-dimensional folding sunshades made of lightweight metal installed before the existing window openings.
photos from architect
The geometric shapes of the fixed, low-maintenance shades were calculated based on a simulation of the daily course of the sun to afford an optimum balance, preventing undesirable sun and heat from penetrating the building while still supplying the rooms with sufficient daylight. The elements also provide individualised natural ventilation for the highrise.
The city-facing north side was given an elegant glass façade. The east and west sides display a vertical relief of lightweight metal that underscores the optical effect of their proportions.
Darmstadt University Redevelopment – Building Information
Architects: Staab Architekten
Location: Darmstadt, Hesse, western Germany
Usable floor area 9,600 sqm
Site area 54,500 sqm
Darmstadt University Redevelopment images / information received from Staab Architekten
Location: Darmstadt University, southwest Germany, western Europe
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