New Temporary Lecture Hall Building on Republikplatz
Installation of a new temporary lecture hall building for RWTH Aachen has begun on Republikplatz.
A 55 by 25 meter large building is being erected on the grounds of the former West Train Station, where a similar temporary lecture hall stood during the construction of the C.A.R.L. lecture hall complex. The temporary structure with house two lecture halls with approximately 500 seats. "We are compensating for a greater need for large lecture halls that must be met," explains Gabriele Golubowitch, head of the RWTH Department of Facility Management. "We have to fulfill the needs of the entire University," adds joint-head Geva Aschoff.
The temporary building is scheduled to open in June to hold lectures for about two years while serving as a study and exam space during the lecture-free period. It is equipped with modern media technology, a noise barrier against the train tracks, heating/ventilation, and sanitary facilities.
Renovations Planned for Kármán Auditorium, Audimax, and the Main Building
Constructive conversations are currently being simultaneously held with the NRW Construction and Real Estate Agency about planning renovations for Kármán Auditorium, Audimax, and the Main Building. A corresponding time line is currently being drafted. One thing is clear, however: all three buildings are in urgend need of renovation and Kármán Auditorium remains indispensable as a lecture-hall complex for the University.
The consistent high number of students – despite predictions for lower students numbers while C.A.R.L. was built to compensate the then possible closure of Kármán Auditorium – and the distribution of students in larger lectures require lecture halls with 300 or more seats. "Need remains high, that's evident to all those involved," says Golubowitsch. In the past 15 years the number of students has increased from 30,000 to more than 45,000.
This building allows RWTH to continue planning room allocations for the coming winter semester. Space was tight this past winter semester without the additional rooms as use of the Audimax restricted at short notice due to problems with the heating system. TEMP allows the upcoming maintenance work in Audimax to continue without sacrificing space.
Source: Press and Communications