We've made a start! With the handover of the first area of construction on 5 September 2024, a milestone has been reached in the renovation of the main university building. Bau und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW (BLB NRW) will continue to modernise the main university building in five further construction phases over the coming years. BLB NRW is the owner of the building and therefore also the client for the modernisation. Changes in the requirements for teaching, study, research and working conditions, adaptation to the new fire protection and energy saving regulations, the issue of building pollutants and the outdated building services are the main reasons for the modernisation.
The handover of the first area of construction marks a milestone in the refurbishment of the main university building.
With the completion of the first area of construction, the installation of the second area of construction is now starting.
The planning phase for the third area of construction of the main university building has now also started.
More than in any other university in Germany, the successful development of Bielefeld University is closely connected with the architecture and unique structural features of its main university building, developed in 1969. The building, characterised by its high concentration of many functions in a compact space, short walking distances and its central university hall, is integral to the identity of Bielefeld University.
Approximately 40 years since its construction, however, the building can no longer meet all of the demands of a modern university infrastructure as conditions of study, teaching, research, administration and service have changed. This applies primarily to areas for communication, technology, room layout, visibility of facilities and services.
The modernisation is being carried out as a core refurbishment, i.e. as a reconstruction to the shell, in six construction phases. The first phase has now been completed and the next construction phase will follow. As the structural measures can only be carried out in areas that are completely empty, space and relocation management will remain a central task for the coming years.
As the success and the identity of Bielefeld University are strongly connected to its architecture, from 1969, the University intends to preserve the philosophy and structure of the building during the process of modernisation.
The modernised main university building (UHG) has to meet the new demands of a modern university infrastructure in a sustainable way for the future. Modernisation, then, doesn't mean a "totally new concept for the UHG", rather a "further development of what has already proved its worth with the addition of necessary changes."
Central tasks for the planners:
• To further develop the structure of the building with the principle of interconnection, integration and concentration.
• To redesign the entryway to the University, so that there is an inviting entrance.
• To extend the main UHG integrating the Service Centre.
• To keep the central university hall space as a connecting and communicative forum.
Planning procedure:
The Bau-und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW conducted a German Tendering and Contract Procedure (VOB) for the modernisation of the main university building of Bielefeld University following an initial competition. The VOB is a local authority code of freelance contractual work and contains details of rules on contracting delivery firms, services and building work. In contrast to an architectural competition, the focus of the VOB procedure is on an integrated approach taking into consideration architectural, functional and financial aspects.