New office building of the FU Berlin: ecological and modern by 2028!

New office building of the FU Berlin: ecological and modern by 2028!

On October 27, 2023, the Free University of Berlin will begin construction of a new office and seminar building on the Dahlem campus. The location of the promising project is Habel Schwertter Allee 45, in the immediate vicinity of Rostlaube. The new building is scheduled to be completed by 2028 and will have a usable area of ​​around 6,400 square meters.

The new building will play a central role in teacher training and the work of the Institute for School Quality and the Department of Economics. Particular attention is paid to sustainable construction: a combination of wood and hybrid construction is planned that meets the BNB silver standard. This not only creates a modern learning environment, but also takes ecological standards into account.

Usage and design concept

The construction project includes several innovative elements. These include two inner courtyards, communication zones and roof terraces that offer numerous opportunities for exchange. Barrier-free access ensures that the rooms are accessible to all users.

The total cost of the project is 34.8 million euros, of which 10.8 million euros will be financed from SIWANA funds. In order to improve the ecological conditions, a biodiversity area will also be created south of the new building. The planning also includes green areas and a retention roof with a photovoltaic system to further increase sustainability.

Particularly noteworthy is the provision of 270 bicycle parking spaces, including space for 8 cargo bikes and covered parking spaces for 36 bicycles, which promotes mobility on campus.

Comparison and context

In comparison to other current construction projects, such as the Regine Hildebrandt House of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), which is being built at Wilhelmstrasse 50, there is a continuing trend towards sustainable construction. This project, designed by K9 Architects, set high standards for sustainability and energy efficiency, similar to the Free University building. The Regine Hildebrandt House aims to achieve the BNB Gold standard and will be equipped with a highly insulated building envelope and a low-temperature heating system.

This project also includes modern office workspaces, new rooms for a daycare center and exhibition areas. Both buildings show how modern architecture can meet the requirements of sustainability and functionality.

The Free University's focus on ecological improvement and accessibility is also reflected in the Regine Hildebrandt House, which introduces exemplary standards for barrier-free construction and falls short of the requirements of the Energy Saving Ordinance by 48.5%.

The new office and seminar building at the Free University of Berlin not only creates a modern learning and working environment, but also represents an important step towards sustainable development and environmentally conscious construction. This will significantly improve the conditions for research and teaching and promote interdisciplinary exchange.

For further information about the construction projects, the original reports from the Free University of Berlin, the BNB for sustainable building as well as details about the Regine Hildebrandt House on the website of Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs can be viewed.