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Architects: ARGE dichter, Glass Kramer Löbbert
- Area: 8630 m²
- Year: 2022
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Photographs:Naumann | Friedel Architekturfotografen
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Manufacturers: Geze GmbH, Knauf AMF GmbH, MC-Bauchemie Müller GmbH, Neuform-Türenwerk Hans Glock GmbH, Schüco, WAREMA Renkhoff SE Sonnenschutz, Wicona
Text description provided by the architects. The detection and analysis of high-energy astro particles and their distant sources set the scientific and technical goal for a new research center at Erlangen University Campus. The Erlangen Centre for Astroparticle Physics is set up to develop and contribute key soft and hard components for a range of massive international detection programs such as CTA/HESS, IceCube or KM3Net. The building‘s design has been developed following a successful competition entry in 2017.
Laboratories, workshops and office spaces are planned to provide a flexible and robust research environment while spatial completion is gained by inserting an open and inviting meeting zone in the center. Framed by two courtyards on different levels the central staircase spans all three floors, visually and aesthetically connecting various spaces and allowing for easy orientation and communication. Coffee points, informal desk space and state-of-the-art meeting rooms enhance the main circulation.
This generous spatial quality is continued through the foyer and entry to give a welcoming gesture towards the future campus square in front of the building. Next to the ECAP two other proposed research buildings turn their „faces“ to a mutual focus, thus creating the new campus square and the entry to Erlangen South Campus.
The architectural design contrasts between a regularly structured façade of almost black aluminum cassettes on all external elevations and a base of white concrete that folds up to form the entry. Entering the building, the bright mineral surfaces are complimented by wooden inlays to draw the visitor into a light and airy work environment. Natural light in all relevant workspaces corresponds with a wide view of the green campus around.
The design concept is taking a low-tech approach to sustainability. The gained spatial flexibility will extend the building’s longevity. The compact shape gives it an excellent volume-to-surface ratio, significantly reducing heating and cooling energy input.
