GUZ University

The Geoscience and Environmental Research Centre in Tübingen wants to promote the exchange of ideas between its various departments and different campus buildings, so this project required a building that communicates with others. The building’s volume is semi-transparent, with all four facades formed by alternating two-metre ‘rings’ of glass and galvanized steel clad in precast concrete. These rings serve to control air flow and the penetration of sunlight. The entrance area is open to the upper floor and makes a visual connection to the central courtyards. The space flows freely from outside, through the glass façade, into the public foyer and beyond to the collective areas of the building. The transition areas to and between the upper floors are located at the southern end to let users enjoy the impressive view onto the surrounding landscape and towards the city of Tübingen. Finally, the laboratories and offices occupy the long sides of the building and the perimeter around the two courtyards.