Integrated Project- II Project Report

RWTH Aachen

Integrated Project- II

University Campuses as Living Labs

Course Director: Prof.Christa Reicher

Course coordinator: Dr ir Ceren Sezer

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to the successful completion of this IP project on Campuses as Living Labs. Firstly, we would like to thank our Dr ir Ceren Sezer for providing us with valuable guidance and insightful feedback throughout the entire project. Your expertise and dedication have been crucial in shaping our ideas and helping us to achieve our goals. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to our classmates for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout this project. Your constant encouragement and motivation have been the driving force behind our success.

Keywords

campus planning, modernism, flexiable, university, urbanism, space, design, goals, needs, ability, enviornment, flexibility, city

Abbreviations

SDG Sustainable Developmental Goals

RWTH Rheinisch Westfälische Hochschule

TU Technical University

C.A.R.L Central Auditorium for Research and Learning

List of Figures

TCR_Integrated Project II (University campus as a living lab: rethinking public space for climate action at university campuses

Abstract

University campuses have the potential to serve as living labs for experimentation with new technologies, design and planning strategies, and research centers. As a microcosm of the urban environment, campuses can encourage collaboration and co-creation between academics and the surrounding community, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions. To stay current with advancements in sustainable design and technology, universities must train future urban planners and designers in these principles. The demand for digital and hybrid courses is growing, prompting the need for flexible and dynamic spaces that can adapt to e-learning. By providing a dynamic environment, students and faculty can engage in cross-disciplinary projects, fostering a sense of community and encouraging the exchange of ideas. To enhance the potential of campuses as urban developmental spaces, they must be designed to accommodate different uses and building types, create sustainable spaces for public use, and embrace sustainable mobility. By creating an integrated campus community through diverse uses, such as dining places, student lounges, and innovative public infrastructure, universities can promote a high quality of life and contribute to their overall well-being.

In summary, university campuses can serve as living labs for experimentation and research, encouraging collaboration and co-creation between academics and the surrounding community. To stay current with advancements in sustainable design and technology, universities must train future urban planners and designers in these principles. With the demand for digital and hybrid courses growing, campuses must be designed to accommodate e-learning and promote collaboration and interdisciplinary learning. To enhance their potential as urban developmental spaces, campuses must embrace sustainable mobility and create sustainable spaces for public use. By creating an integrated campus community through diverse uses, universities can promote a high quality of life and contribute to their overall well-being.

Fig . 1

The university of RWTH Aachen

Introduction

University Campuses as Living Labs

University campuses as living labs in an urban context refers to using university campuses as a test bed for developing and implementing sustainable and resilient urban solutions. This can include experimenting with new technologies, design and planning strategies, and community engagement practices that can then be scaled up and replicated in the surrounding urban area. University campuses, because of the diversity of its inhabitants, the wide range of activities and the presence of research centers, can serve as a microcosm of the urban environment. This allows for the testing and experimentation of new ideas in a controlled setting before they are implemented on a larger scale in the city. The living lab approach also encourages collaboration and co-creation between academics, students, the university administration, and the surrounding community, which can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.

ability of university campuses to adapt and change over time in response to social, economic, and environmental pressures. This can include the ability to accommodate different uses, densities, and building types within the campus, as well as the ability to adapt infrastructure and transportation systems to meet changing demands. Flexibility can also refer to the ability of the university campus to adapt to changing circumstances, such as changes in student population, research focus or new technologies. Additionally, it can also mean the capacity to plan and design the campus in a way that it can easily adapt to future changes, like the potential use of different spaces, integration of new technologies and the capacity to retrofit or repurpose existing buildings. Overall, flexibility in campus urban scale is an important concept in urban planning and design as it allows universities to evolve and adapt over time to meet the changing needs of students, faculties and the surrounding community.

Future Proof Universities

What is Flexibility?

Flexibility in urban scale refers to the ability of cities and urban areas to adapt and change over time in response to social, economic, and environmental pressures. This can include the ability to accommodate different uses, densities, and building types within a neighborhood or district, as well as the ability to adapt infrastructure and transportation systems to meet changing demands. Flexibility can also refer to the ability of urban residents to adapt to changing circumstances, such as job loss or changing housing needs. Overall, flexibility in urban scale is an important concept in urban planning and design as it allows cities to evolve and adapt over time to meet the changing needs of their residents and communities.

What is Flexibility in campuses?

Flexibility in campus urban scale refers to the

In terms of urban planning and design, future-proof universities are important because they can help to ensure that the built environment is responsive to the changing needs and demands of society. This includes staying current with advancements in sustainable design, resilient infrastructure, and technology that can improve the livability and functionality of cities. By training future urban planners and designers in these principles, future-proof universities can help to create cities that are better able to adapt to the challenges of the future, such as climate change and population growth.

Additionally, future-proof universities can play a crucial role in the community by engaging in urban design research and providing expert guidance on urban planning and design to local government and community organizations. This can help to ensure that the built

environment is responsive to the needs of all stakeholders and promotes social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Lastly, having future proof universities in urban design and planning can also lead to the creation of smart and livable cities, where the integration of technology, data and design can lead to better quality of life for citizens, efficient use of resources, and a reduction in the environmental footprint of cities.

Fig . 2

RWTH Aachen Library Building

Background Information

The demand for flexible and adaptable spaces has grown significantly in recent years, particularly in the realm of campus design.

As educational institutions strive to keep pace with an ever-changing world, the need for flexible and dynamic spaces has become increasingly important.

The idea of a flexible campus is to create an environment that can respond to the changing needs of its users, offering an adaptable and resilient space for learning, research, and innovation.

Fig . 3 SDG’S of UN

Trends

- Demand for digital and hybrid courses is growing

- E-Learning is a popular topic in universities

- Covid pandemic accelerated shift to online learning

- Campus spaces need to adapt to e-learning

- Need for flexibility, connectivity, and community in public and residential areas

- Physically built campuses need to adapt to e-learning.

Flexible and adaptable spaces in campus design have become a crucial aspect of modern educational institutions. With the rapid pace of technological advancements and changes in the way we learn and conduct research, it has become imperative for these institutions to create spaces that can keep up with these transformations. This is where the concept of a flexible campus comes into play.

A flexible campus design enables the creation of an environment that can be easily reconfigured and transformed to meet the changing needs of its users. This means that the spaces within the campus should be able to accommodate a range of activities, from traditional lecture-style classes to group projects and individual study. Additionally, the design should allow for the integration of new technologies and equipment, ensuring that the campus remains up-to-date and relevant.

Flexible spaces can also help in promoting collaboration, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning. By providing a dynamic environment, students and faculty can engage in cross-disciplinary projects, fostering a sense of community and encouraging the exchange of ideas.

In conclusion, the demand for flexible and adaptable spaces in campus design reflects the need for educational institutions to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. By creating dynamic and resilient spaces, these institutions can provide their students and faculty with the resources they need to succeed and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

Student life before covid

Student life after covid

Project Vision

The RWTH Central Campus has made a significant step towards sustainability as the world recognizes the urgent need to adopt more environmentally friendly practices and consider future generations.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about a significant shift in the way things are done, including in the realm of higher education.

With the rise of online learning and its benefits, universities have come to realize that students may not use campus facilities in the same way they did before.

This shift in usage patterns has prompted the question: if student behavior is changing, why shouldn’t the campus change as well?

Project Scope Planning

Our aim is to create a sustainable and climate-friendly campus through

- The implementation of an integrated design

- Innovative utility

- Energy systems, and adherence to sustainable mobility guidelines.

The design integrates university buildings and urban spaces and creates a seamless connection between different sections of the campus.

Analysis - (City Scale)

Nodes

Fig . 4

Map of nodes in and around aachen

Fig . 5

Map of landuse of aachen city

Accessibility

Conclusion

Fig . 6

Map of accessibility of aachen city

Fig . 7

Map of conclusion of aachen city

Analysis - (Campus Scale)

Landuse Accessibility

Fig . 8

Map of Landuse of RWTH Campus

Fig . 9

Map of accessibility of RWTH Campus

Public Space

Time Dimension

Fig . 10

Map of Public spaces of RWTH Campus

Fig . 11

Maps of time dimension of RWTH Campus

Analysis - (Campus Scale)

Conclusion

Fig . 12

Map of conclusion of RWTH Campus

University Buildings

The campus is spread across different buildings and facilities, offering a diverse range of services to students, faculty, and staff. The main building of the campus, also known as the SuperC, houses the central administration, seminar rooms, a library, and a cafeteria. The C.A.R.L building is home to the computer science department, while the Institute of Physics is located in the adjacent building. The Kármán-Auditorium, named after aerospace engineer Theodore von Kármán, is a lecture hall with a seating capacity of 800 people. The campus also includes the Central Lecture Hall Building, the Campus Office Building, the Institute of Biology, and the Institute of Philosophy, to name a few. Overall, the RWTH Campus Mitte provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources for the academic and research activities of the university community.

University Buildings

Fig . 13

Map of RWTH University buildings

Campus Mitte - Challenges

The Mitte campus of the university has areas that are currently being used as parking lots, and as a result, they have a low quality of living. These areas are often neglected and not given the attention they require, which can make them unsafe, particularly at night when there is not enough lighting. In order to address this issue, the university should prioritize improving the quality of living in these areas by providing adequate lighting and other safety measures. In addition to the safety concerns with the parking areas, the campus is also divided by railways, which can act as a physical barrier between the two campuses. This can make it difficult for students and faculty to navigate between the two campuses, especially for those with mobility issues. To address this, the railway system should be designed in a way that promotes safety and accessibility. Despite these challenges, the Mitte campus is an important part of the university, and it is essential that all areas of the campus are safe and accessible to students, faculty, and staff. The university should explore ways to make the railway system more user-friendly and accessible, particularly for those with disabilities. By prioritizing safety and accessibility, the university can ensure that the Mitte campus remains a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Fig .

Map of Campus mitte challenges

Campus Mitte - Opportunities

There are some structures and building with worth of preserving and act as an identity for campus such as SuperC and Reiff Museum. Some areas have the potential to be refurbished and redesigned to enhance the level of social interaction as well as quality of stay. Some areas can be used for temporal activities such as exhibitions, local markets. In addition, there are some existing bike lanes that can be developed. There is an opportunity to bridge the two campuses by the new bridge at the end of Turmstraße to enhance the accessibility of access and reduce the traffic speed in this area.

Fig . 15 Map of Campus mitte opportunities

Potential Public Spaces

The Talbot Parking area, despite being a large space connecting important institute buildings, is not currently welcoming or friendly, lacks street and green infrastructure, and is not easily accessible or walkable. However, relocating the car park and adding green spaces, comfortable seating, and flexible infrastructure could transform this area into a more welcoming and pedestrian-friendly space that connects the important institute buildings and improves the surrounding urban environment.

The C.A.R.L building area also lacks street and green infrastructure, making it less welcoming and pedestrian-friendly. However, with the right design, this area has the potential to become a green and pedestrian-friendly space that is comfortable and social for students, professors, and visitors. Adapting the transit area from the train station to a sustainable space for public use would also improve the overall urban environment and promote sustainable transportation. The SuperC Plaza is already a well-connected and accessible area with a strong identity. However, it faces challenges such as extreme weather conditions that limit its use for public activities. Adding more flexible furniture and creating platforms and shelters could make this area more comfortable and usable throughout the year, thus further enhancing its potential as an urban developmental space.

Overall, these areas present significant opportunities to improve the surrounding urban environment and create more welcoming, connected, and sustainable spaces for public use. With the right design and implementation, these areas have the potential to become vibrant and active urban centers that contribute to the overall well-being of the surrounding community.

Fig . 16

Map of Potential Public spaces

Potential Public Spaces

Talbot Parking

Observation:

Not welcoming or friendly Accessible, walkable, Connected

No street infrastructure, lacks green infrastructure

Challenges:

Very large space connecting important institute buildings, do car park will need to be relocated To bring flexibility, green spaces, comfortable seating parking would be challenging in terms of deconstruction

C.A.R.L

Observation:

No street infrastructure, hardscape, lacks green infrastructure students and staff visit this building most often

Challenges:

To create a green and pedestrian friendly space. Make this space more climate comfortable and social active

To adapt the transit area from train station to the sustainable place for students, professors and visitors

SuperC Plaza

Observation:

All users pass by SuperC for various activities throughout the day

Accessible, Strong Identity, Well connected

Challenges:

Plaza gets too cold during winter and too hot during summer and cannot be used for any activities.

Add more flexible furniture and create platforms and shelters to provide shadow for public

Fig . 17

Talbot parking lot

Fig . 18

C.A.R.L Auditorium

Fig . 19

SuperC Plaza

Vision

Our vision is Creating integrated campus community through diverse uses including dining places, student lounges, informal spaces, recreation, etc for different users in different time of a day.

To create a sustainable and adaptable RWTH Central Campus that blends seamlessly with its urban surroundings while prioritizing the needs of its students through effective climate adaptation, integrated architecture and landscape, innovative public infrastructure, and cutting-edge e-learning facilities. This campus will provide a rich and exciting social space for students to engage in visual learning, studying, experimentation, and relaxation, fostering a sense of community and promoting a high quality of life. By embracing sustainable mobility and using the city as an educational tool, this campus will serve as a model of contemporary sustainable design for future generations of students.

Our main goals here are A reachable network, enhance the quality of life, enhance quality of environment.

Fig

Vision

Strategies

The elaboration of urban design goals highlights the importance of creating cities that are not only functional, but also livable and enjoyable places to be. The goal of creating a “vibrant mix of uses” is an essential component of this, as it involves the integration of a diverse range of activities and functions within a single urban space. This could include residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational uses, among others. The aim of this goal is to create environments that are vibrant and dynamic, fostering a sense of community and encouraging interaction between different groups of people. This goal is also aligned with the objective of promoting a dynamic and adaptable urban planning and design paradigm that can accommodate different users and uses at different times of the day and night.

The goal of enhancing the quality of life in urban design also plays a crucial role in creating livable cities. This goal focuses on creating environments that support and improve the well-being of residents and visitors. By designing urban spaces that are accessible and usable for people of all ages and abilities, urban designers aim to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the city. Additionally, the objective of designing urban spaces that can accommodate different users and uses at different times of the day and night also contributes to this goal, as it provides opportunities for residents and visitors to engage in a range of activities and experiences, fostering a sense of community and contributing to their overall well-being.

Finally, the goal of creating an “accessible mobility network” is also critical in creating livable cities. This goal involves the provision of transportation systems and infrastructure that are safe, efficient, and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or socio-economic status. By providing an accessible mobility network, urban designers aim to make it easier for residents and visitors to move around the city, fostering a sense of community and encouraging interaction between different groups of people. Additionally, the objective of designing sustainable urban spaces that minimize the likelihood of functional failures brought on by shifting living conditions is also relevant to this goal, as it promotes sustainable transportation options that are less likely to cause disruption or harm to the environment. Overall, the goal of creating an accessible mobility network is to support the health, well-being, and mobility of all city residents and visitors.

Fig . 21 Strategies

Strategies

The elaboration of urban design goals highlights the importance of creating cities that are not only functional, but also livable and enjoyable places to be. The goal of creating a “vibrant mix of uses” is an essential component of this, as it involves the integration of a diverse range of activities and functions within a single urban space. This could include residential, commercial, cultural, and recreational uses, among others. The aim of this goal is to create environments that are vibrant and dynamic, fostering a sense of community and encouraging interaction between different groups of people. This goal is also aligned with the objective of promoting a dynamic and adaptable urban planning and design paradigm that can accommodate different users and uses at different times of the day and night.

The goal of enhancing the quality of life in urban design also plays a crucial role in creating livable cities. This goal focuses on creating environments that support and improve the well-being of residents and visitors. By designing urban spaces that are accessible and usable for people of all ages and abilities, urban designers aim to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the city. Additionally, the objective of designing urban spaces that can accommodate different users and uses at different times of the day and night also contributes to this goal, as it provides opportunities for residents and visitors to engage in a range of activities and experiences, fostering a sense of community and contributing to their overall well-being.

Finally, the goal of creating an “accessible mobility network” is also critical in creating livable cities. This goal involves the provision of transportation systems and infrastructure that are safe, efficient, and accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or socio-economic status. By providing an accessible mobility network, urban designers aim to make it easier for residents and visitors to move around the city, fostering a sense of community and encouraging interaction between different groups of people. Additionally, the objective of designing sustainable urban spaces that minimize the likelihood of functional failures brought on by shifting living conditions is also relevant to this goal, as it promotes sustainable transportation options that are less likely to cause disruption or harm to the environment. Overall, the goal of creating an accessible mobility network is to support the health, well-being, and mobility of all city residents and visitors.

Fig

Master Plan (UniverSity to UniverCity)

Masterplan Flexibility Concept

Fig . 23 Masterplan

Fig . 24 Flexibility Concept

Interventions

Fig . 25 Interventions

TCR_Integrated Project II (University campus as a living lab: rethinking public space for climate action at university campuses

C.A.R.L Auditorium

Concept

Site Plan

Talbot Student Garden Concept Site Plan

SuperC Plaza Concept

Site Plan

List of figures

Fig . 1 : The university of RWTH Aachen

Fig . 2: RWTH Aachen Library Building

Fig . 3: SDG’S of UN

Fig . 4: Map of nodes in and around aachen

Fig . 5: Map of landuse of aachen city

Fig . 6: Map of accessibility of aachen city

Fig . 7: Map of conclusion of aachen city

Fig . 8: Map of Landuse of RWTH Campus

Fig . 9: Map of accessibility of RWTH Campus

Fig . 10: Map of Public spaces of RWTH Campus

Fig . 11: Maps of time dimension of RWTH Campus

Fig . 12: Map of conclusion of RWTH Campus

Fig . 13: Map of RWTH University buildings

Fig . 14: Map of Campus mitte challenges

Fig . 15: Map of Campus mitte opportunities

Fig . 16: Map of Potential Public spaces

Fig . 17: Talbot parking lot

Fig . 18: C.A.R.L Auditorium

Fig . 19: SuperC Plaza

Fig . 20: Vision

Fig . 21: Strategies

Fig . 22: Strategies 2.0

Fig . 23: Masterplan

Fig . 24: Flexibility Concept

Fig . 25: Interventions

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