Students working in a modern, wooden interior space with high ceilings and natural light.

Interior view of a spacious, modern educational workspace with students working at tables. The space features wooden walls, a high ceiling with exposed beams, and ample natural light.

Interior of a wooden structure with large glass windows and built-in wooden benches.
Interior of a modern building with wooden beams, pendant lights, and metal ductwork.
Interior of a two-story wooden structure with open floor plan, featuring wooden beams, metal mesh railing, and hanging lights. Two people are seated at a table with laptops.
Interior of a wooden structure with white pendant lights and metal mesh railing.
Interior of a modern building with light wood structures, staircase, and industrial lighting.
Wooden beams and white pendant lights inside a building.
Modern educational interior with tiered seating and mezzanine, featuring people interacting.
Interior of a modern architectural space with wooden walls, a long corridor, and a high ceiling with exposed beams.
Interior of a workspace with people working at desks, high ceilings, and natural light.
Students working in a modern educational space with large windows and shelves.
Interior of a two-story wooden structure with large windows, showing people working at tables.
Interior of a modern workspace with wooden walls and ceiling, featuring people working at tables with laptops and models.
Interior view of a modern workspace featuring wooden beams, white tables, and chairs, with a brick wall and metal mesh railing.
Interior of a modern building with high ceilings, exposed beams, and a walkway with a metal railing.
Interior space with wooden beams and a bar area with stools, where two people are talking.
Interior of a seminar room with wooden framing and glass door, people visible inside.
Interior with white metal staircase, light wood paneling, and large windows.
Brick building exterior with large windows showing interior activities and a ramp leading to the entrance.
Exterior view of a brick building with a large window showing an illuminated interior with structural elements and a staircase.
Site plan of the Vitra Campus with labeled buildings and architects.
Floor plan of a building's ground level with labeled rooms and areas.
Floor plan labeled 'Grundriss Galerie' showing different rooms such as an arena, work and drawing rooms, seminar rooms, a library, and a meeting room.
Section drawing of a two-story building with various labeled areas such as kitchen, arena, technical spaces, seminar rooms, and library.
Section drawing of a building with labeled areas such as Álvaro Siza Promenade and Seminarräume.
Section drawing of a building with labeled areas such as promenade, arena, storage, and meeting room.
Isometric architectural drawing showing a two-story wooden structure inside a larger building framework.
Isometric drawing of a two-story wooden structure with labeled sections for doors, windows, closed walls, and open structure.
Isometric drawing of a two-story structure with flat roof and support columns.
Isometric drawing of a cantilevered beam structure with horizontal and vertical elements.
Isometric drawing of a structure with vertical beams spaced 2.5 meters apart.
Isometric drawing with two parallel black beams and measurement details on a white background.

Story

A seamless integration of academia and iconic architecture The Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein has embraced a new chapter with the introduction of the architecture degree program from the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University. This initiative marks the first time an external user has been integrated into the company grounds, specifically within the revered Álvaro Siza production hall. Originally designed in 1994 for metal production, the hall now serves a novel purpose, housing a two-story wooden structure crafted by Studio ne. This architectural intervention reflects Siza's philosophy, marrying simplicity with functionality. The design emphasizes efficient space utilization, creating an inviting atmosphere for students and lecturers alike. Open floor plans encourage collaboration, while strategically placed windows and light slits ensure ample natural lighting and ventilation. The use of local timber not only enhances the aesthetic but underscores the university's commitment to ecological responsibility. The transformation aligns with a broader vision for the Vitra Campus, aiming to integrate the site more closely with the surrounding landscape and foster new social and cultural opportunities.

Design Highlights

Integration of a two-story wooden structure within an existing iconic hall Emphasis on natural lighting and ventilation through well-placed windows Use of sustainable materials, primarily local timber Open floor plans promoting student collaboration

Key Facts

Detail Information
Location Vitra Campus, Weil am Rhein, Germany
Project Type Building within existing structures
Duration 2023 – 2024
Client Logad GmbH
Collaboration Studio Tropicana
Photography Daisuke Hirabayashi

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Wall Finish: Wooden walls
  • Ceiling Finish: Exposed wooden beams

Materials

  • Wood — Structural and aesthetic elements
  • Glass — Windows and doors
  • Metal — Ductwork and railings

Construction / Systems

  • Structural System: Two-story wooden structure within an existing framework

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: natural wood tones, white
  • Lighting: Natural lighting with pendant lights

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