Faculty Building in Karlsruhe
- Jakob Schoof
Most of the buildings on the campus of Karlsruhe University are distinguished by their restrained forms, their large volumes and extensive areas of exposed concrete. The latest structure, which Schulz and Schulz have designed for the department of sensor technology, fits seamlessly into this aesthetic of the 1960s and 70s. Even so, the four-storey cube may also be recognized as an outcome of the 21st century. Almost all the facade elements are smooth faced, even those in exposed concrete, which are up to 700 × 200 cm in size. Only in the balustrade zones beneath the strip windows do these surfaces have a partially exposed-aggregate finish. Probably the greatest contrast to the concrete is formed by the numerous dark-red coated-aluminium surfaces with which Schulz and Schulz make reference to the corporate-design colour of the university. These are also to be found in the recessed entrance area, in loggias on the upper floors and on the set-back storey for mechanical services on the roof. Above all, though, it is the electrically operated vertically pivoting louvres of perforated sheet aluminium over the fenestration that enliven the facade design. These are centrally controlled, depending on the season and weather conditions, but they can also be activated by switch for each room individually. Even in a closed position, they allow an indistinct view of the world outside.
