Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences Overhaul and Extension of C10 Highrise

The C10 highrise at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, built in the mid1960s, required architectural and technical refurbishment in order to reinforce its iconic status as sole highrise in the area announcing the campus throughout the city. The building is used as a teaching and research centre for the departments of mathematics and natural science and also houses the university's central administration. The 16storey rectangular structure was dismantled down to its reinforced concrete shell and cleared of hazardous materials. New energy systems and technical facilities were installed for a sustainable modern standard and the building was extended to meet fire protection requirements. The mathematics and natural sciences faculties with their lecture halls, seminar and training rooms, labs and offices are now found on the 3rd10th floors. The 1st and 2nd floors hold doublestorey lecture halls with graduated seating. The central university administration occupies the upper floors (11th14th). Each façade was conceived differently according to its setting within the campus and the compass direction it faces in order to ensure maximum sustainability. The distinctive appearance of the longitudinal south façade calls attention to the main entrance and features threedimensional folding sunshades made of lightweight metal installed before the existing window openings. The geometric shapes of the fixed, lowmaintenance shades were calculated based on a simulation of the daily course of the sun to afford an optimum balance, preventing undesirable sun and heat from penetrating the building while still supplying the rooms with sufficient daylight. The elements also provide individualised natural ventilation for the highrise. The cityfacing north side was given an elegant glass façade. The east and west sides display a vertical relief of lightweight metal that underscores the optical effect of their proportions. Usable floor area 9,600 sqm Site area 54,500 sqm