New developement of a service center for the Aachen University (RWTH) with offices, event and conference areas by Fritzer + Pape. Now only Pape (http://www.pape-architektur.de/html/superc.html).
Heating and cooling through a 2.500 m deep probe linked to a geothermal (http://www.geothermal.org/what.html) heat pump
Planning and construction: 2003 – 2007
Competition: 2000, 1. Prize
Next to the university the new building will join all student services
as a hub and as a combined forum for the university, the city of Aachen and business.

4.600 m² total floor space.

The concept was to obtain a large event space in front of the building and to utilize the buiding as a large showcase infront of a disused heat supply station.
The roof spans the forecourt and takes up the alignment of the neighbouring buildings. Thus keeping its presence in the street and yet not covering the facade of the main building.
The conference areas are located in the roof, offering a spectacular view over the city.

The Site

The Proposition

Inside the roof

Inside the Cafeteria

Model

Model 2

The construction is currently under way. 2 Webcams but you can't see much because of the scaffolding. I will post some pics from a while back in the near future.

One (http://www.alumni.rwth-aachen.de/cms/front_content.php?client=1&lang=1&idcat=72&idart=737&m=&s=)
Two (http://superc.webcam.rwth-aachen.de/)

funny they are finally realizing the project, I remember when I left Aachen there was talk about it being canceled due to cost and 'static difficulties'...

I still do not get used to it, it somewhat doesn't fit in the site... (...my own emotional opinion that is... :P )

Hi Bea,

what's even more irritating is that are taking down the energy plant behind it (which has always been quite fugly), which will change its scale and situation.