Hochschule Bochum - Bochum University of Applied Sciences

Our concept of the new seminar building for the faculty of architecture and civil engineering shows a compact four-storey building facing the “Blue Box”. The “Blue Box” is an existing building with workspaces for the architecture students of the Bochum University of Applied Sciences.

A well-defined square is generated by the two volumes of the buildings, providing a setting for all types of student activities.

Positioned on one axis, the square accommodates the main access to both of the buildings.

The heart of the seminar building is the cascade-like staircase, facing the square. It connects all floors and serves as a generous entrance and communication zone.

The building is divided into areas for offices, seminars and communication. The offices are positioned south-west, the areas for the students, the seminar- rooms and the main staircase are positioned north-east geared towards the square. The walls, the floor and the ceiling of the communication zone are covered with larch wood. Whenever the communication zone borders the façade, big framed showcases are being formed. By this means the inner activity is visible to the environment, as well as the environment is apparent to the inside.