Campus Technik
Haus der Physik, University of Innsbruck
Our design for a university campus masterplan with research buildings is characterized by an open space concept that expands and reinforces Innsbruck’s existing urban planning structure. It was awarded 3rd prize in the competition.
The physics institutes of the University of Innsbruck have established themselves as leading international research establishments. It was decided to do them justice by creating a state-of-the-art research facility. The Austrian Federal Property Administration (BIG) organized an open EU-wide realization competition for a masterplan for the western part of the “Campus Technik” and for the building of a new Haus der Physik and a technology center.
Integration and a visual connection with the district
Our project takes full account of the qualities of the location by proposing a clear building structure with elements of varying sizes. The existing “east-west axis” is shifted further south as a means of establishing a visual connection with the new district of “Hötting West.” The cantilevering of the Technologie Zentrum Campus Technik (TZCT) to the west creates both a link between the axis and the university campus and a new public space in the form of an urban “terrace.” A food market, a restaurant, and a number of places for hanging around ensure that the space will be a new communicative meeting point for students and teachers.
Green park landscape
The open space concept expands and reinforces the existing urban planning structures: The result is a continuous network of green spaces with water features and cool spots and urban squares with countless opportunities to sit or lie on the grass, all structured by a network of footpaths. The extensive green spaces promise a sustainable improvement of the microclimate and offer a new habitat to birds and insects.
An expression of complexity
The two new buildings form the western end of the campus and are clearly separated in technical terms. The Haus der Physik is divided into a “prominent” northern block containing the teaching and training workshop and the southern atrium building with the administrative areas. The basement contains the vibration-free optical laboratory and further laboratory space. Minor interruptions in the rigorous facade, such as those created by raised laboratory spaces or the lecture theater, reduce the severity of the building and express the complexity of the teaching process to the outside world.
