Faculty of Information Technology and Computer Center of the BTU

Cottbus, 2013

During the extension of the Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) in Cottbus-Senftenberg, the Faculty of Information Technology and the computer center were to be accommodated in a new joint building. The designated plot is situated immediately off the central footpath axis that gives the campus its structure and orientation. In the four-storey building, the functions were organised in accordance with the frequency of visitors. Thus the ground floor accommodates foyers and seminar rooms, while the first and second floors house the institutes of the Faculty of Information Technology. The computer center is situated on the top level. For security reasons, it is out of bounds to all except a very limited number of people. The building’s almost symmetrical floor plan is organised in a way that prevents corridor situations, instead providing plenty of space for communication. The square new building is enveloped by a horizontally banded façade that was inspired by the image of a copper coil. The crafted copper bands were also wrapped in a wide radius around the building corners. The horizontal window bands follow this principle. Fine, plank-shuttered exposed concrete, white-painted carpentry and a light-coloured ashlar surface characterise the carefully detailed interior fittings, which are accentuated by individual copper elements. The inner courtyard is enhanced by an artwork by the Berlin-based artist Pauline Kraneis: "It’s like talking to ghosts" addresses the theme of dialogue with an artificial intelligence.

Data

VOF Procedure 2009 / 1st place
Completion 2013
Client BTU Cottbus
Gross floor area 7,831 m²
Gross volume 30,597 m³

Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 5
03046 Cottbus

Award
German Data Center Award 2014, 3rd prize "Energy- and resource-efficient data centers"

Pre-oxidized copper
White lacquered steel
White concrete board formwork
White varnished oak