27. June 2024
The six-storey building combines state-of-the-art laboratory space with workshop areas, offices, meeting rooms and event areas and will be used as a real laboratory in which digital components can be tested under real conditions. The intelligent building concept makes a significant contribution to the use and further development of smart buildings.
Construction progress and talk
The construction progress of the building was celebrated with a construction party, which was accompanied by a panel discussion: Rector of RWTH Aachen University, Prof. Ulrich Rüdiger, spoke with the investing project developer and other project participants about the potential of digitalization for the construction sector and the importance of smart buildings. “Our research topics are fast and dynamic. We also need to be able to build and repurpose buildings more quickly and react much faster to new requirements,” says Prof. Rüdiger. “Building with private investors, like here on the RWTH Aachen Campus, is therefore a huge step forward.”
In the Smart Logistics Cluster, over 500 people from science and industry are working on the digitalization and networking of production processes and logistics workflows. The third construction phase offers sufficient space for research, development and catering on around 11,500 m² of rental space. “We are creating inspiring space here for research-based companies whose developments will improve our lives,” says Jens Kreiterling, CEO of Landmarken AG. “In this way, we are promoting innovation and providing important impetus for regional economic development.”
An intelligent building concept
The third construction phase, designed by agn Niederberghaus & Partner GmbH, comprises flexible and modern rental units ranging from 320 to 1,800 m². The building is “IoT-ready” and equipped with digital and smart building technology that is more efficient, sustainable and convenient thanks to the integration of digital applications.
Dr. Klaus Feuerborn, Managing Director of RWTH Aachen Campus GmbH, emphasized the importance of the project: “With this smart building, the Smart Logistics Cluster is the first cluster to be completed on the Melaten Campus. With its intelligent building concept, it is decisively advancing digitalization on the campus,” said Dr Feuerborn. “We are looking forward to the modern and attractive building ensemble, which will further increase the appeal of the Campus Boulevard. Our special thanks go to Landmarken AG for the trusting cooperation.”
The smart building was planned entirely using BIM (Building Information Modeling). This method enables digital visualization of all architectural, technical, physical and functional building data, which makes planning more precise and efficient. Everyone involved in construction and operation can access the BIM model, which significantly improves collaboration and decision-making.
Attractive Infrastructure
On the first floor, a small catering area provides catering and stimulation. The foyer, atrium and multifunctional area can be combined for large events, while flexible floor plans ensure a high degree of reusability. In addition to the car parking garage, the mobility facilities also include a dedicated bicycle parking garage. Completion is expected for summer 2025. With RWTH Aachen University and other research partners from the campus ecosystem, top-class tenants are already scheduled to use the rental space in the third construction phase. With this innovative building, RWTH Aachen Campus is setting new standards and driving forward the development of intelligent building concepts.
