The Centre of Competence for Mobility is a groundbreaking symbiosis between nature and technology, functionality and dynamic form, as it combines high-performance laboratories with the urban environment. Wind studies were used to develop the dynamic shape of the building which provides an optimal wind flow for the Aachen inner city and a maximization of ventilation for the Centre.

The challenge was to develop a new building with 5.000 m² total net area for the departments electrical + information engineering, mechanical engineering + mechatronics, and aerospace engineering for the University of Applied Science Aachen / Campus Hohenstaufenallee. The transparent design of the interior will allow for barrierfree visual communication. The combination of theory and pragmatism will facilitate integration between public and semi-public spaces and will stimulate intercultural and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Centre of Competence for Mobility maximizes the use of green space and creates public and semi public recreation zones with a total of 700 m². A campus ramp connects the large lecture hall in the lower level with the exterior. On the other side the steps, which are designed to use as an amphitheater for concerts, performances and open-air movies, invite passers-by to sit. The forecourt creates public living room that will augment the quality of urban space for students, professors and residents. The sensitive integration of the building in the existing campus creates a seamless connection between inside and outside and establishes the centrally located cafeteria as an information and communication hub for the entire campus area Hohenstaufenallee.

Team:
Markus Dochantschi
Constanze Stinnes
Laura Grieser
Natalie Linde
Balthasar Wirz
Emmet Truxes