2020 Galleries

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Galleries // 2020 Spark:Space // Mechanical Engineering of the RWTH Aachen

Mechanical Engineering of the RWTH Aachen

Finalist

Competition: Spark:Space
Designer: Thomas Schmidt
Design Type: Schools & Campuses
Company / Organization / School: SSP AG
Website: http://www.ssp.ag
Team Members: Thomas Schmidt, Thorsten Lage, Stefan Bielefeld, Sebastian Riz, Matthias Risse, Dominik Otto, Heinz Lenzmann, Franz Rümenapp & Michael Hoppe

The existing building was gutted down to the shell structure. The remaining supporting structure was upgraded both structurally and in terms of fire protection. A new element facade envelops the building. The new interior fittings were specifically designed for use as an office and seminar building as well as a lecture hall and workshops for the chairs of the RWTH Aachen University. Additional institutes from other buildings were integrated into the high-rise in accordance with the university location and development concept. Within the framework of a feasibility study, SSP AG developed a core redevelopment concept that focuses not only on the functional optimization of the usable areas and operational processes but also on the restoration of a representative appearance. Maximum flexibility of use and optimized energy efficiency round off the sustainable building concept. The carefully detailed modular curtain wall façade is characterized by a stringent horizontal structure during the daytime and thus refers to the original appearance. At night, the stairwells, which are accentuated in colour, shine through the translucent façade and correspond with the urban space.

JUDGES COMMENTS:

Mechanical Engineering of the RWTH Aachen, Spaces Design

"Some interesting graphic elements and use of color, nice modernization. Seeing images of the prior condition would be helpful."