New construction for the library learning centre
Project description
The preliminary design for the university's new library learning center was created by Berlin-based architectural firm B+P Reiner Becker GmbH.
The new building, which will house a cafeteria, library, and offices for the ZLL*, is intended to serve as a new center on the campus.
The building will complement the existing solitary structures around Sokratesplatz with an additional four-story, square-shaped structure. It is located on the main access axis of the campus and forms the urban spatial boundary to the north.
The new building is intended to be an expression of openness and communication—the ground floor, with its entrances, passageways, and a cafeteria, is designed as an extension of the outdoor space and a “distribution center” within the building.
A central atrium leads to the main vertical access and not only connects all floors, but also allows visual connections across all floors thanks to its open design.
The wide staircases are also meeting places, and when extended into seating areas, they invite visitors to linger.
Workstations with different qualities (individual, group, PC workstations, and reading areas) as well as the library itself are organized around the atrium over several floors, with a roof terrace at the top of the building offering views in all directions.
Construction work was originally scheduled to begin in May 2019, but the special procedure required to clear the site of unexploded ordnance due to difficult ground conditions caused a delay of approximately six months. Further delays have occurred due to the pandemic—if any explosive ordnance had been found, it would not have been possible to evacuate the surrounding residents to a safe place without violating social distancing and hygiene rules.
The handover of the completed building is now scheduled for fall 2025.
Working areas with various functions (single, group and PC work places and reading spaces) and the library itself surround the atrium over several floors. The rooftop terrace at the top allows views in every direction.
Initially, the construction work should have started in May 2019, but the difficult ground conditions required a specific procedure in order to guarantee the absence of explosive ordnance. For this reason, the project has a delay of approximately 6 months. The finalisation of the project is expected at the end of 2021 or at the beginning of 2022.
