Darmstadt System

The Faculty of Architecture at TU Darmstadt is undergoing a major renovation (2025–2030), requiring the yearly relocation of a quarter of the faculty. The challenge is to create a temporary structure that ensures functionality while maintaining the faculty’s collaborative culture. Instead of being dismantled, the building will transform into a guesthouse, requiring a highly adaptable design. Positioned at Lichtwiese Campus, it must balance efficiency, sustainability, and long-term integration, serving as a prototype for flexible campus architecture.

This project is a multifunctional building for the Faculty of Architecture (FB15) at TU Darmstadt’s Lichtwiese Campus. Initially, it serves as a temporary space for one-quarter of the faculty during the renovation of the main building. Later, it transitions into a guesthouse for researchers, exchange students, and faculty, integrating additional services for the university community. Strategically positioned north of the FB15 building, the elongated structure establishes a strong dialogue with the existing faculty and future campus developments. The ground floor, designed as an open and accessible workshop space, encourages public interaction. Four vertical access towers create a welcoming presence and facilitate movement across floors. The building's primary structure is a lightweight steel skeleton with diagonal bracing that provides both stability and spatial organization. Prefabricated, modular sanitary cores allow for flexible layouts. In the faculty phase, spaces are defined by recycled cardboard partitions, creating adaptable work environments. In the guesthouse phase, the interior is restructured into private apartments and shared cluster living spaces, with communal areas located within the access towers. The south-facing external gallery acts as a circulation spine and climatic buffer, promoting natural ventilation and passive cooling. Sustainability strategies include rainwater harvesting, integration with the campus’s waste heat recovery system, and the use of recyclable materials. The structure’s modularity supports long-term adaptability, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. This project is a model for flexible, sustainable architecture, balancing functionality and long-term value while enhancing the evolving Lichtwiese Campus.