Typology education Location Düsseldorf Construction Volume GFA 4.242 m², GV 13.200 m³ Client BLB NRW Düsseldorf User Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf Competition 1st prize 2011 Construction 2012–2013 Awards BDA Düsseldorf Auszeichnung guter Bauten 2017 – honorable mention
#Service center for those studying at the Heinrich Heine University, accommodating the facilities of the department of student affairs, which are used by students from all faculties.
With its spacious roofed entrance area, the SSC gains not only a suitable and easily recognizable home, but at the same time forms an emblematic architectural gateway for the whole university campus.
The openness, accessibility and depth of the surrounding parkland is continued in the clear and light architectural design. A piazza is formed below the large roof supported by slender posts at the highly frequented level of the university’s main access route. The square is linked to the western part of the main axis via a broad outdoor stairway and therefore provides students and visitors approaching from different directions with an entrance that is protected from the elements. The light and transparent two-storey foyer, that looks out onto the park, is not only a pleasant place to linger and communicate but also a means of access to the various parts of the building. The information point, the first port of call, and the front office see to the first needs of the students and then send them for further advice to the other storeys, which can be reached via a broad circular stairway or lifts. In addition to the entrance to the student academy, the secretary’s office and administrative rooms, the foyer also provides access to the multi-purpose hall, which can also be used as an extension of the foyer space. During everyday university life, student’s can use the room to work in a lounge-like atmosphere; alternatively, it can be used for events and exhibitions.
1 Universitätsstraße
2 Magistrale 3 SSC 4 Open-air foyer
5 Mensa 6 Kiosk
7 Bookshop 8 Institutes
The function of the new build as a place for education and a contact point for students is highlighted by the open and transparent architectural concept, which responds to the depth of the surrounding green in the multi-faceted design of its facade.
The filigree exterior steel columns are condensed according to the linear arrangement of the closed facade panels and the vertical elements of the floor-to-ceiling post-and-beam construction to form a shimmering facade space.
