Location
Aachen, Germany
Typology
Office
Research
Education
Year
2025-2028
Status
in progress
Client
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft
Size
2,828 m² GFA
Read more
The Centre for Energy and Climate Technology (ZEKT) in Aachen sets standards for sus-tainable, citizen-oriented research by combining ecological construction, public acces-sibility and modern working environments. The L-shaped building is a precisely fitted urban anchor on Büchel, responding to its context by mediating height differences and emphasising the corner with a prestigious main entrance. The openness and flexibility of the building foster encounters and dissolve the boundaries between research institutions and urban society. The forum floors form the centrepiece: two seating staircases link the forum and mezzanine, and a third staircase marks the transition from exterior to interior. Above these are multifunctional exhibition areas and a spacious event hall, and the ent-rance remains open and adaptable.
The roof provides terraces and a filigree pergola; a glass pavilion houses the canteen and meeting rooms with views of Aachen Cathedral; a generous inner courtyard connects to the hall and buffers Antoniusstraße. The office floors prototype modern working environ-ments with flexible layouts, state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, green retreats and open kitchenettes with adjoining meeting zones. Customisable spaces with cathedral views can be adapted to meet dynamic requirements. The Fraunhofer centre is anchored in urban life by the thermal-water band beneath the city, and materials such as wood, clay and reused terrazzo, green roofs, photovoltaics and integrated aquathermal energy embody a post-fossil vision.
Location
Aachen, Germany
Typology
Office
Research
Education
Year
2025-2028
Status
in progress
Client
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft
Size
2,828 m² GFA
Read more
The new building completes the urban block while forming a clear and welcoming adress. Its open forecourt strengthens connections to the surrounding public realm and creates a generous transition between the city, landscape and the building entrances. Completing the urban block, opening towards the city and integrating vertical greenery, while the roof terrace and rooftop pavilion offer views towards Aachen Cathedral.
The new building completes the urban block while forming a clear and welcoming adress. Its open forecourt strengthens connections to the surrounding public realm and creates a generous transition between the city, landscape and the building entrances. Completing the urban block, opening towards the city and integrating vertical greenery, while the roof terrace and rooftop pavilion offer views towards Aachen Cathedral.
A clear vertical programme combines public functions at the base, flexible exhibition and event spaces, and office floors above. The building culminates in a rooftop café, event space and landscaped terraces with views across Aachen old town.
A clear vertical programme combines public functions at the base, flexible exhibition and event spaces, and office floors above. The building culminates in a rooftop café, event space and landscaped terraces with views across Aachen old town.
Open clusters, bright learning spaces, a communicative central area and a direct connection to green space create diverse learning landscapes.
Open clusters, bright learning spaces, a communicative central area and a direct connection to green space create diverse learning landscapes.
A flexible structural system creates generous, adaptable workspaces with maximum daylight and clear floor heights. Individually controlled shading and integrated photovoltaic elements improve solar protection, energy performance and user comfort.
A flexible structural system creates generous, adaptable workspaces with maximum daylight and clear floor heights. Individually controlled shading and integrated photovoltaic elements improve solar protection, energy performance and user comfort.
