In order to transform the former nuclear research center in Karlsruhe into a forward-looking technology campus, a two-phase ideas and realization competition was launched.
Our urban planning proposal for a forest campus arose from its location in a wooded area and defines points of orientation along a tree-lined, traffic-calmed green axis. The south entrance of the campus is explicitly emphasized, here a new square with striking buildings welcomes visitors.
The new building for the Institute for Catalysis Research and Technology (IKFT) was developed according to our framework for the campus building blocks consisting of two highly flexible function units, in the back of which special building blocks for technology and workshops as well as an extension area are arranged. The recessed ground floor of the five-story laboratory building marks its entrance on the main campus square. Between the two building sections, an open communication and develop- ment zone provides an opportunity for scientific exchange and access to the communal roof terrace.
The façade is characterized by horizontal bands which tie together the different ceiling heights of the laboratories creating a uniform appear- ance and it reacts with horizontal and vertical slats to the varying sunlight situations of the building.