Geo and Environmental Centre Built in Germany By Kaan Architecten  

Recently the Kaan Architecten unveiled the new Geo and Environmental Centre (GUZ). This is the first research Centre in Tübingen, Germany.  

From its unique architecture and looks, it is widely popular. At first glance, you’ll see that the structure has an overall appearance of a block of stone. This project is a part of a scheme by Harris + Kurrle Architekten. The architecture firm wants to extend the existing Morgenstelle Campus of the University of Tübingen, built in the 1960s. The new additional building will stimulate the connection between previously disparate departments. 

Are you interested to know more about this unique architecture in Germany? If yes, keep reading. 

Let’s begin. 

Geological and Environmental Centre (GUZ)

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Architects: KAAN Architecten

Location: Tubingen, Germany

Year: 2022

Local architect: Höhler+Partner Architekten, Hamburg

Urban planning: Harris + Kurrle Architekten, Stuttgart

Client: Land Baden-Württemberg, represented by Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg, Amt Tübingen

Located in Tubingen, Germany, the new Geo and Environmental Centre (GUZ) will be an important part of the research and development system for the country. This research centre is a state-of-the-art facility for interdisciplinary research. 

This centre will address environmental issues, including water, soil, and atmosphere. Situated in the Morgenstelle campus, which is a part of Eberhard Karls University (University of Tübingen). Located on a hill with spectacular views of the valley and the city of Tubingen, this centre will benefit people in so many ways. 

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Geological and Environmental Centre: Concept & Design

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Harris + Kurrle Architekten initially designed this project. They added that it has four new buildings built situated around the central square urban concept. The new building is part of the southward expansion. This centre will act as a medium to connect the two different parts: the Department of Earth sciences and the Groundwater Institute.   

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The main goal of the architects is to connect the various departments. That’s why they designed the new Geo and Environmental Centre to make communication between other natural science colleges in the region and the various departments within the building.   

Geological and Environmental Centre: Location 

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One of the best things about this building is its location. The GUZ centre is situated in a prominent location, and its architecture well complements the campus’ urban layout while having scientific importance.

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The building has a low elongated structure because it is partially built onto the slope of the site. The centre has a 100 x 50 m footprint and has more than six floors. The area also includes two courtyards present on different levels. This is specifically designed to adjust to the inclined topography of the project’s site. 

Geological and Environmental Centre: Architecture

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One of the major things about a building that immediately catches anyone’s attention is the architecture. The geo- and environmental centre by Kaan architecten has a unique raw exterior that looks like a block of stone. Don’t believe us? Take a look at the above pictures!

The facade has deep ridges finishes so that it exposes a glazed volume. If you look closer, you’ll see that the entire face of the building is covered in horizontal rings. This architectural design is added to make the new building look similar to the old existing campus buildings.  

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The northern face of the centre creates a spatial boundary and marks the main entrance to the building. On the other hand, the southern side directly makes a path to the city of Tübingen.  

Geological and Environmental Centre: Department Design

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The Geo- and Environmental Centre has many departments and research areas, including public teaching and study areas. These workspaces are facilitated and equipped with advanced technology equipment for specialized research. 

The centre also has communal facilities like seminar rooms and an auditorium near the campus square. Labs and workshops are located on the east, and the offices are on the west and south parts of the campus. 

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The same robust materials are used with the dark walnut detailing to reinforce the connection with the surroundings. The entrance hall will act as the hub for meetings and interactions; that’s why many student workspaces are added here. 

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Another architectural element that stands out in this building is the free-standing sculptural staircase. It is built to link the upper and lower levels while providing views of the campus.  

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To increase the efficiency of the layout and future flexibility of the building, the laboratories and workshops are constructed in two compact blocks in the eastern section of the centre. According to the principle ‘from coarse to fine,’ all the labs are distributed across all six floors. So for the rock preparation, the workshops are on the lowest level, and the cleanrooms are at the top level. 

Geological and Environmental Centre: Exteriors & Interiors

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Another noticeable feature of the architecture of this research centre is the solid bands. What are they? These bands may look solid but are actually hollow from the inside. Clad in prefabricated concrete elements and gratings, these bands are designed to provide sun shading, ventilation, light control, and maintenance centre.

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There are many offices and meeting rooms in the building, and they are connected via internal corridors. There is also a perpendicular axis to connect the laboratory blocks and the functional areas for day-to-day operation. 

“Although dedicated to earth, it is a building for people based on easy access, visibility, and communication,” concludes Prof. Dikkie Scipio, co-founder of KAAN Architecten. 

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Final Words

So this is all about the geo- and environmental centre by Kaan architecten. I hope you like this blog and if you find it informative, share it with your family and friends. 

Do you want to read more about other fascinating architecture around the globe? Check out our previous blogs on Fritz Hansen Pavilion in Copenhagen, 7 Spectacular Residences in the World 2022, Almaty Cafe and Restaurant by M.serhat Sezgin in Kazakhstan, Czech Republic’s Tallest Skyscraper, and many more. 

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