Institute of Transport Science, RWTHin Aachen

The new building for the Institute of Transport Science (VIA) at RWTH Aachen University combines sustainable construction with modern requirements for research and teaching. It embodies resource-efficient architecture, a high degree of flexibility and a new standard of quality in university working environments. An office block comprising 54 timber modules and a hall constructed using prefabricated elements form the heart of the complex. Particular challenges included the demanding on-site fit-out, the high standards required for the building services, and the complex implementation of the façade. The building serves as an open space for interdisciplinary exchange and applied research. In addition to office, seminar and teaching spaces, it offers experimental and testing facilities as well as communal areas. An oversized model railway is being constructed in the hall, which will be used in future for training and research in the field of railway infrastructure. One architectural highlight is the green façade, made up of pre-cultivated plant panels with an automatic watering system, which helps to improve the microclimate. The modular construction allows for flexible adaptation to future requirements. The use of timber reduces the carbon footprint and ensures a high degree of prefabrication, resulting in shorter construction times. The timber-frame modular construction combines sustainability with technical efficiency. The new VIA building is a prime example of climate-conscious, flexible and future-proof university construction.