1/1

PROJECTS / OECONOMICUM DÜSSELDORF

A New Communication Hub for Düsseldorf University

Christoph Ingenhoven has established a new landmark for Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf with the new Oeconomicum building, situated between the university library and the medical faculty. This development features a three-story faculty building with a spacious glass facade overlooking the university lake. The entire structure, with its gently curved shape, is oriented towards the adjacent waterscape. A key aspect of the design was to foster a sense of transparency, reflecting a shared understanding of teaching and research in terms of scientific work, exchange, and synergy.

The Oeconomicum is elevated on stilts, utilizing the site already used for access to an underground parking garage. This clever use of space required no additional land for the new building and simultaneously created a covered bicycle parking area.

Aufenthaltsort im Freien des Oeconomicum der HHU Düsseldsorf von Christoph Ingenhoven

Außenterrasse des Universitätsgebäudes von Christoph Ingenhoven

transparente Fassade des Hochschulgebäudes der Wirtschaftswissenschaften von Christoph Ingenhoven

beliebter und belebter Treffpunkt auf dem Campus der Heinrich-Heine-Universität

The terrace at Oeconomicum Düsseldorf designed by Christoph Ingenhoven, modern space for relaxation and social interaction.

With its all-glass walls, the building design actively promotes academic exchange and communication, embodying a new approach to teaching and research. Previously inaccessible, the adjoining university lake is now bordered by an inviting wooden terrace. This addition has created an ideal setting for working and learning outdoors. The terrace has become a bustling meeting point for the entire campus, used daily by students and faculty alike.

The facade design is based on energy conservation principles: it is open towards the south and has minimal openings towards the north. The design of the office areas in the southern section is flexible, allowing for various sizes of work and meeting spaces. The interior design concept provides ample space for scientists and students to collaborate and think creatively.

Terrasse mit Sitzgelegenheiten am Oeconomicum der HHU von Architekt Christoph Ingenhoven

The seminar rooms are situated on the first floor, while the offices are located on the floor above. The teaching staff offices on the building's north side have glass walls facing the open areas in the center, promoting communication, providing daylight, and offering panoramic views of the waterscape. The atrium along the south facade connects the common areas and teaching rooms on the first floor with the department offices on the upper floors.

The building's operating costs and energy consumption have been minimized. Utilizing geothermal energy, rainwater harvesting, and natural ventilation, the compact structure surpasses current energy conservation standards. Emphasizing environmental responsibility, materials were chosen based on criteria of recyclability, energy efficiency, and durability, ensuring a robust building that will serve many generations of students.

The new Oeconomicum building, serving as the faculty building for economic sciences, marks the beginning of a comprehensive renovation of the university complex, including modernizations and new constructions. The Heinrich-Heine University site in Düsseldorf was previously characterized by four- to six-story concrete buildings from the 1970s.

Since 2019, an extension has expanded the Oeconomicum westward to the site boundary, adding approximately a third more to the building's volume. The extension mirrors the radial grid and exterior design of the original structure.

The new Oeconomicum building, serving as the faculty building for economic sciences, marks the beginning of a comprehensive renovation of the university complex, including modernizations and new constructions. The Heinrich-Heine University site in Düsseldorf was previously characterized by four- to six-story concrete buildings from the 1970s.

Since 2019, an extension has expanded the Oeconomicum westward to the site boundary, adding approximately a third more to the building's volume. The extension mirrors the radial grid and exterior design of the original structure.