A Place for Architecture

The proposed design for a new architecture faculty building seeks for an appropriate solution to finalize the programme of a fragmentary historic TU Dresden Jugendstil-building. Simultaneoulsy giving TU Dresden a significant cross-territorial address and creating a new gate to the campus were also main aspects of the proposal.

In the geometrical focal point of TU Dresdens campus, located only a few walking minutes from Dresden central station, a new building for the architecture department emerges. Right there where the historic and the newer campus parts meet, the high and significant front building generates a conspicuous landmark giving Dresdens college grounds a cross-territorial address. The site is accessed from north via a large forecourt with tall current tree stocks while another square that stretches between the tower, hangar and Beyer-Bau functions as a new gate to the campus and welcomes students and visitors.\nThe tower is accessed from north and organizes all representative functions such as foyer with an exhibition area, café and library towards the public street space. In addition it includes all specialist fields (FG) and drawing rooms of the architecture school. The simple structure composed of a central reinforced concrete core which incorporates all ancillary uses such as bathrooms, emergency stairs, elevators and technical supply, concrete supports located at the facade and far stretching beam ceilings allows flexible floor plan zonings and 360°-panorama. Cutouts in the ceilings create versatile two-storey community areas which form a vertical connection of the individual floors. An al¬ternation of location of these cutouts allows a vertical spiraling perpetual development of the building. Situated on the roof there is a large open area that not only allows a stunning view over Dresden and the Sächsische Schweiz, but also offers space for individual creative activities. Projecting ceiling disks and a staggered arrangement of columns function as a filter between the inside and the outside and thereby dissolve the clear main body into a fine, almost transparent structure.\nTo round off the architecture schools space requirements, the experimental-hangar complements the efficient but compact room offers inside the tower. The frame-structure allows a generous unsupported area with enough space for any kind of craft, test- or experimental models as well as exhibitions or cultural events.