Aachen. June 27, 2024 – A smart building for complex research: the third construction phase of the Smart Logistics Cluster is being built on Campus Melaten. The shell of the intelligent building, which combines state-of-the-art laboratory space with workshop areas, offices, meeting rooms and event spaces, will soon be completed. Just under ten months after the foundation stone is laid in September 2023, the interior fit-out can already begin. For the investing project developer Landmarken AG and RWTH Aachen Campus GmbH as the developer of the entire Campus, this was an occasion to celebrate the construction progress with a construction party, which was accompanied by a high-profile panel discussion.
As a real laboratory in which digital components are tested under real conditions, the six-storey building makes a significant contribution to the use of intelligent building concepts. Prof. Ulrich Rüdiger, Rector of RWTH Aachen University, spoke about the potential of digitalization for the construction sector and the importance of smart buildings in the panel discussion with the investing project developer and other project participants. “Our research topics are fast and dynamic. We also need to be able to build and repurpose more quickly, we need to react much faster to new requirements,” says Prof. Rüdiger. “Building with private investors, such as here on RWTH Aachen Campus, therefore gives us a huge boost.”
In the Smart Logistics Cluster, more than 500 people from science and industry are working together on innovative solutions for the digitalization and networking of production processes and logistics workflows at Germany’s innovation hotspot for smart buildings. Once completed, the third construction phase will offer around 11,500 m² of rental space for research, development and catering. “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.”
The third construction phase, designed by agn Niederberghaus & Partner GmbH, contains flexible and modern rental units ranging from 320 to 1,800 m² and is “IoT-ready”, i.e. equipped with digital and smart building technology. By integrating digital applications, the building communicates and interacts with its users, making it more efficient, sustainable and convenient to use. “With this smart building, the Smart Logistics Cluster is the first completed cluster on Campus Melaten. With its intelligent building concept, it decisively advances digitalization on the campus,” says Dr. Klaus Feuerborn, Managing Director of RWTH Aachen Campus GmbH. “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 in BIM (Building Information Modeling). With this digital building data modelling, all architectural, technical, physical and functional building data can be digitally visualized during the planning phase. The result is an intelligent building data model, the so-called BIM model, which can be accessed by everyone involved in the construction and operation of the building.
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.
