hammeskrause architekten
Physics school laboratory «Light & Schools» at the University of Hamburg
best architects 22
education buildings
Place
Hamburg, Germany
Studio
Photos
Werner Huthmacher
Description
The intention of the educational laboratory for
physics, located in the research campus Bahrenfeld, is to inspire young people
to pursue science. The educational pupils’ laboratory was founded by laser
physicist Prof. Klaus Sengstock a decade ago. The programme is intended for secondary
school classes and students of experimental physics. A floating, single-storey
building made of cantilevered exposed concrete, opens invitingly towards the
street, rousing the curiosity of passers-by. Serving as a showcase for the sciences,
the building offers glimpses of its diverse programme from the outside. The area
in front of the building is marked by two old pine trees, which were integrated
into the building’s composition as space structuring and defining elements. The
entrance platform, detached from the ground, forms a long base and bench – an
identity-generating place of arrival and of transition, whilst in the
background, the latest laser technology can be seen through the windows. The
floor-to-ceiling, glazed façade defines the space, like an immaterial
enveloping band. Reflected in the glazing are the colours of the surroundings. The transparent design allows views out to the adjoining
forests, neighbouring institutes and between the laboratories and seminar
spaces. The modern equipment of the laboratories invites visitors to explore;
it is a place where people can be exposed to high technology.