Neubau HafenCity Universität Hamburg - Symbol für Baukunst am Wasser

New building, HafenCity University Hamburg - Symbol for architecture on the waterfront - Part 1: Substructure

The HafenCity University (HCU) was founded on 01.01.2006 as a new University of the Built Environment and Metropolitan Development combining the four faculties of Architecture, Structural engineering, Geomatics and Urban planning.
Situated directly on the River Elbe, the new building in the new HafenCity district offers space for some 1400 students and 180 staff as well as diverse central facilities consolidated on a gross floor area of about 30000 m².
The design by architects code unique reflects the special character and core competencies of the HCU. The sculptural, jointless structure in reinforced concrete frame construction is divided into two above-ground wings with a length of over 100 m each, connected by a central atrium as well as the shared single-storey plinths floor (so-called "Warftsockel") designed as flood protection. The central foyer is enclosed by the filigree steel constructions of the atrium roof as well as the west and east façades.
In particular the wide spans and distinctive projections, the practically complete visibility of the jointless concrete construction, the oblique angles of the building's wings in themselves and in relation to each other, as well as the diversity of utilisations stacked on top of one another, demanded innovative solutions for the structural engineering.
Additional challenges were presented by the all-round restrictive characteristics of the site, the tight budget, as well as the complexity of getting agreement on the building target among all parties concerned - taking into account a particular demand for sustainability - and the largely parallel building activities necessary due to scheduling reasons.
The removal into the new building, ambitious in both architectural and structural design planning terms, will take place in the winter semester 2013/14.