The construction of the office and administrative building marks the beginning of the implementation of the new University of Technology Nuremberg (UTN) campus. Our design aims to provide a balanced response to the diverse requirements (urban planning, room schedule, functionality, space efficiency, ecology, etc.) with an economical, sustainable and future-oriented low-tech building. As a result, the building should be perceived as a striking trademark of the future university on the Nuremberg campus.
From an urban planning point of view, the new building forms the prelude to the campus. Its placement takes into account the building area available today, while also aligning with the proposed building lines of the block structure in the future master plan by the architectural firm Ferdinand Heide. This positioning leaves room for an additional building on the east side. With the extension option of the second construction phase on the west side, the building can be gradually completed into a block and integrated into the master plan.
The design follows the concept of achieving as much as possible with minimal means. The proposed coherent building structure optimally accommodates the required spatial modules and is ideally suited for timber construction. With its large glazed forum and adjacent conference area, extending around the corner, the building opens up towards the street, welcoming employees and visitors. The façade greening in front emphasises this corner situation and orientation of the building, providing a protected outdoor area.
An innovative office and administration building is primarily defined by its adaptability and flexibility. To achieve this, it is crucial to create functional units of up to 200 square metres that eliminate the need for internal corridors, allowing for future changes of spaces and uses. The individual units are distributed across the floors as cohesive functional entities and feature own meeting rooms and tea-kitchen areas as informal meeting points. The large conference room with an adjacent rooftop terrace offers a view of the entire future university campus.
The wooden façade reflects the internal structure of the building with a balanced ratio of solid and open elements. A finely crafted relief on the façade structures the building envelope and adds texture and depth to its appearance. The façade greening, implemented through a suspended trellis system on the southern side, significantly contributes to the microclimate of the site.
The interior is characterised by bright, natural materials that create a pleasant atmosphere. Modular partition walls separate the office spaces from the corridors, allowing for an environment that promotes communication. The selection of materials prioritises the avoidance of substances that are harmful to health and the environment.
All the major components of the project are planned in timber construction. Particularly noteworthy about the chosen construction is the potential for dismantling and recycling, as all components can be easily deconstructed and recycled at the end of their lifecycle. Furthermore, the exterior elements and building services are dimensioned in a way that allows for achieving a non-certified passive house standard or an efficiency building standard of level 40.