Innovation center, Aalen (GER)

project Extension of Fachhochschule Aalen awarding authority City of Aalen (GER) architect / urban planner WW+, Esch-sur-Alzette/Trier (LUX/GER), ernst+partner landschaftsarchitekten, Trier (GER) program area 2.500 m² gfa 7.452 m² gv 42.772 m³ distinction 2nd price

Landmark

The building of the EU flagship project ‘Innovation Centre City of Aalen’ sees the Fachhochschule Aalen being enhanced by an important component. While the planned building blends into the existing urban design of the linear campus structure with its basement level, it nevertheless displays independence and its own character. Given its pioneering role as a mediator between business, the public and the Hochschule and its striking appearance, the structure of the innovation centre represents a further visible signal – a true landmark.
 

Location

The competition site adjoins the western campus grounds and lies between the FH buildings and the nearby B29. The footprint of the building is a natural consequence of the existing development structure and of the layout of the planning area, the construction site. The building is located in the northern area of the construction site. In line with the opening up of the campus, the central access of the building is located at the passageway between the lecture auditorium and the ophthalmology building.

Form follows function

The room schedule provides for two types of use: laboratory spaces of various sizes as well as smaller office units, which can be combined as required. This requirement profile results in the building consisting of two volumes. The two-storey basement houses the large-scale laboratories and the entrance area with seminar rooms, staff room and the necessary ancillary functions. Use of the existing course of the terrain means the laboratories housed in the basement can be serviced and infused with natural light Superimposed on the two-storey basement, the five-storey tower contains the stipulated office spaces and the smaller-scale laboratories. The horizontal displacement of the tower over the basement results in the building clearly pointing to the direction of the campus and marking a visible and functional entrance situation.