Heinle, Wischer und Partner
Albert Ludwig University Freiburg, IMBIT (Institute for Machine-Brain Interfacing Technology) research building
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education buildings
Place
Freiburg, Germany
Studio
Photos
Brigida González
Description
Humans and machines
On the Airport Campus in the north of Freiburg,
the IMBIT is forming an ensemble that will consist of several institute
buildings and will expand the technical faculty of the university. Robotic
assistance systems are being developed at the IMBIT that can be controlled and
operated by the mind, by means of so-called neuro-implants. People with
physical disabilities, such as paraplegia or parkinson’s disease, can thereby
regain a degree of control over their lives. The IMBIT’s complex research
landscape is counterbalanced by a compact building that is easy to navigate.
The three floors of the cubic building enclose a quiet courtyard with greenery.
The simple ring design creates short pathways, differentiated access options and open areas that connect all the departments with one
another, ensuring optimal interaction between researchers. Behind the main
entrance, which is demarcated by a recess in the façade, a generous foyer opens
up in the centre of which is an open staircase linking the three floors with
each other. The building must combine a range of different requirements, resulting
in a structure that permits a free arrangement of laboratory, office and
dedicated spaces. In this way, versatile spatial concepts can be implemented,
allowing for continuous adaptation and upgrading.