-
Architects: ATELIER 30
- Area: 12700 m²
- Year: 2010
-
Photographs:Thomas Fischer
The University Kassel is currently planning a number of building projects which will significantly alter the face of the University campus in the coming years. One of the first building blocks in this transformation is the new development for a Faculty Building for Education- and Language-science.
The site consists of two triangular plots on the south-west edge of the campus. It represented a challenge in terms of planning and construction, due to it being situated in close context with historical building fragments as well as high proximity to the river Ahna. The complex and extensive brief for the new buildings in conjunction with the problematic nature of the site required an urban and architectural solution that would meld together historical and new building elements in the existing site configuration. In order to synthesize a well proportioned ensemble, as well as offering optimal functional internal processes.
From this task the concept of two separate faculty buildings as stone sculptures possessing clear edges was formulated. The clear edges shape urbane space in particular, making it possible for the buildings to correspond significantly with the build context and resulting gap spaces. In addition, the sculptural buildings articulate a new entry into the campus leading across a landscaped forecourt towards the new main entrance and the interior of the main Building.
Here the busy public spaces such as the foyer and main entry zones are highlighted by a glass facade opening up the buildings interior towards the campus and the historic structures of the former industrial complex “Henschel- Anlage”. This stands in stark contrast to the Jura-stone facade with its precisely inset window strips. Along the three story foyer zone, a number of different view relationships and lighting situations are set up allowing views out of the building as well as into it. Lead by penetrating natural light, a number of spatial layers are set up within the circulation spaces, offering chances to rest and engage in scientific discourse.
