Paderborn University is growing - and sustainably so. Two new buildings are replacing the ageing P-buildings and will provide state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities in future. In particular, the sustainable construction and the use of waste heat from the high-performance computer centre actively contribute to environmentally friendly campus development. In cooperation with the Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (BLB NRW), the project sets new standards with innovative architecture and green technologies.
Paderborn University and Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (BLB NRW) are launching a pioneering construction project: two modern new buildings with a gross floor area (GFA) of 42,541 square metres are being built on a currently undeveloped extension to the campus on Mersinweg. These will replace the older buildings P1 and P4 to P7. With a special focus on resource-efficient energy supply, the new complex will provide space for research and teaching for the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and the Institute of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, which is part of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electrical Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Mathematics. The project affects two of Paderborn University's five faculties and is one of the largest new building projects since the university was founded. Simone Probst, Vice President for Economic and Personnel Administration at Paderborn University, Wolfgang Feldmann, Head of the Bielefeld branch of BLB NRW, Dr Martina Gerdes-Kühn, Head of Department 5 at Paderborn University, Ante Niggemeier, Head of the Construction Management Universities 2 department at BLB NRW, and Markus Nabrotzki, Technical Project Manager at BLB NRW, met to officially launch the construction project.
Architecture sponsors orientation and collaboration
The two equally high, compact new buildings are functionally connected and have a modern infrastructure with lecture theatres, seminar rooms, laboratories, workshops, offices, ancillary and technical rooms. The modular room structure of the laboratory areas facilitates flexible utilisation under changing requirements. A multi-storey connecting corridor between the buildings and the immediate proximity to the wider Paderborn University campus promote interdisciplinary exchange. The clear room layout, organised into different zones, facilitates orientation and creates a pleasant learning and working environment. "With the two new buildings, we are consistently developing towards a sustainable future. We are now even better equipped to meet the constantly growing demands of excellent science. This means we can offer our employees and students the best possible conditions for research and teaching in the fields of mechanical engineering and electrical engineering and information technology," emphasises Simone Probst.
Harmonious integration of architecture and green spaces
A particular highlight is the "pocket park" between the new buildings: This landscaped field with diagonal paths invites students and researchers to linger and creates an attractive connection between the entrances. It also creates a link between the Südring and Mersinweg. The ground floor is structured by precast concrete elements and blends harmoniously into the topography of the surroundings. The fa?ade design of the building underlines the architectural aspirations of the project: the upper storeys are clad with a rear-ventilated metal fa?ade in two different colours. Storey-high and differently aligned slats in bright colours give the fa?ade a lively yet homogeneous appearance that varies depending on the viewing angle and time of day.
Sustainability through innovative energy supply
A key aspect of the new building project is the sustainable energy supply. The new buildings will be connected to the university's high-performance computing centre via an underground media route in order to make efficient use of its waste heat. This measure significantly reduces the primary energy requirement and supports the goal of environmentally friendly campus development. In addition, the prerequisites are being created for the new buildings to achieve silver certification in the assessment system for sustainable building (BNB). The buildings will be constructed in accordance with the Energy Efficiency Building 40 (EG 40) standard and will be equipped with a photovoltaic system and green roofs. "This new building combines modern architecture with sustainable construction," explains Wolfgang Feldmann, Head of the Bielefeld branch of BLB NRW. "We are focussing on durable materials and an energy-efficient supply that makes an important contribution to climate protection."
BLB NRW relies on partnership when awarding contracts
The project benefits from the special SEP award and contract model for the procurement and realisation of planning and construction services, with which BLB NRW, as a public client, has also had very good experience in other construction projects. SEP stands for "turnkey construction with integrated planning" and is characterised by the fact that all planning and construction services are awarded to a single contractor. The construction and logistical expertise is therefore already integrated into the planning phase. This approach sponsors a partnership-based collaboration with the planning and construction company to jointly define the construction target and ensure that the project is carried out according to plan. "The SEP model allows us to work in partnership with the contractors. This not only allows us to increase construction quality and efficiency, but also to identify potential challenges at an early stage and solve them together," explains Feldmann.
This text was translated automatically.
