© BFR LAB . Published on March 01, 2011.

Urban and Landscape Concept: The main urbanistic idea is the creation of a recognizable address for the university campus of the Bergische Universität Wuppertal through a new square. The new building proposes this square opposite of the adjacent U-complex and in front of the auditorium building on the level the Gauss Street. The spatial configuration of the square results from recessing the building on the north-west side of the plot and from placing the Technikum directly on the Gauss Street. The two-storey volume of the Technikum forms an anacrusis to the campus and allows for first views into science world of the university. The surface of the square is designed as a linear pattern which spreads over the street level and the accessible roof. The roof presents itself as inhabitable space with sport facilities and recreation areas. The square on two levels is conceptualized as a value added for the campus. The new building jells itself as an urban pre-space of campus, which should create a meeting point for students, researchers, faculty and visitors. The building is formulating a new address: generous, fresh and green.

© BFR LAB . Published on March 01, 2011.

Architectural Concept: The building articulates three main volumes, which are connected through a foyer space to one entity. The main entrance is located on the level of the Gauss Street opposite of main entrance to the auditorium building. This central, double-high space is laid out as an open space which allows views through the building, and provides access to the different levels of the building. From the outside, the building is characterized through horizontal window bands with rhythmically changing dimensions.. The relief of the facades creates plasticity and playfulness within recumbent horizontality. Functionally chemistry, mechanical engineering, security technology, and biology are arranged in layers. The street level U9 serves as a distribution platform: from here you can access chemistry on level U 10, security technology on U10 and U11, mechanical engineering on level U 11, U12, U13 and biology on level U13. In the lower levels U 8, U7 and U6 – chemistry finds its place.

© BFR LAB . Published on March 01, 2011.

Facades: The façade uses fiber concrete panels, which allows geometries to realize beyond rectilinear geometries in a cost effective and technically simple way. Through that choice structural loads and thereby the amount of grey energy and costs are reduced. Also, the mineral based build-up simplifies a future recycling. On the south facing façade, PV-modules are integrated into the façade to optimize the energy performance of the building.

© BFR LAB . Published on March 01, 2011.

Energy Concept: The architectural design is based on energetic considerations. The south orientation of the building with large transparent façade area supports the passive use of solar energy in the winter. During the summer the external sun protection creates – in combination with open thermal masses and night ventilation – a comfortable environment in the building. Because of the topography the building is built along the slope of the hill, which provides a good isolation and minimizes transmission-heat-losses. Further the triple glazing and high-performance insulation allow for an energy efficient operation and low life cycle costs. We propose a hybrid ventilation system, which functions for most of the year as natural ventilation and is supported during respective periods through mechanical ventilation. The air intake is provided through an earth duct and distributed to the individual spaces. From here, the air flows into the solar chimneys and to the outside. During winter the energy of the exhaust air is gained back through a water-based system. The earth duct heats the ambient air in winter and cools the ambient air in summer.

© BFR LAB . Published on March 01, 2011.

© BFR LAB . Published on March 01, 2011.

© BFR LAB . Published on March 01, 2011.