Questions relating to "how" and "where" we want to learn and work have become increasingly important, not just since the times of physical distancing and energy shortages. In the warmer months of the year, areas outside of buildings can be used - as a learning space, for seminars, meetings, or simply to relax. The learning and communication pavilion set up in December 2022 on the green space between the mechanical and civil engineering buildings was created as part of the "Marketplace of Knowledge" implementation project of the KIT 2025 Strategy.   Feel free to use and test this result of cooperation between science, administration, and students .

Digital transformation is making it a lot easier for us to decide where we want to learn, work, or live: Information can now be received, processed, and shared anywhere. But are the spaces at our KIT locations equipped such that they can really be used as places to learn and work - even after the pandemic? Following the design and construction of the pilot pavilion, it is now planned to evaluate the ideas students and employees Have with respect to its use. The survey will be developed and implemented by the HoC Methods Laboratory in cooperation with the Quality Management Department.

Design Competition at the KIT Department of Architecture

In the 2020/21 winter semester, an impromptu design competition with the motto "Learn where you want!" was launched at the KIT Department of Architecture under the direction of the Chair for Sustainable Building and the then ZUKUNFTSCAMPUS at KIT .The aim was to develop new public and social spaces as informal places of learning and communication in order to improve the quality of life on KIT’s Campus South. Three designs by students won the competition, one of which was realized. 

Cooperation between Science, Administration and Students

In the interdisciplinary pilot project, students, together with the KIT Department of Architecture and the Sustainability Office, created an attractive space on KIT Campus South. The learning and communication pavilion was completed in December 2022 in cooperation with the KIT Business Units of Property Planning and Construction Projekts, and Technology House and the Karlsruhe Office for Assets and Construction in Baden-Württemberg.

The learning and communication pavilion  is an extraordinary place: Like a windmill, the supporting structure extends outwards from a core element that can also be used for storage purposes. It gives the learning space its unmistakable shape. The open structure promotes exchange and opens out towards the surrounding green areas. Inside the pavilion, people can learn, communicate, and relax at different height levels. The building is recyclable: Only local, recyclable building materials and materials from the urban mine were used. All connections can be separated easily. The foundation built with screw connections exclusively can be removed completely. In this way, the impact on local plant and animal life is minimized.

Evaluation of Use, Operation and Construction

In spring 2023, an accompanying evaluation was launched to analyze the use, operation, and construction of the open and freely usable pavilion. The findings will be considered for the future use of this or other pavilions. Evaluation covered a period of twelve consecutive months to take into account all seasons.

Contact person for the evaluation: Sarah Herrmann (HOC Methods Lab).

Contact person for the project: Dr. Gerhard Schmidt (SO)