Architect: Carpus + Partner AG
The CITEC Forschungsbau (formerly known as Forschungsbau Interaktive Intelligente Systeme (Research Building Interactive Intelligent Systems)) celebrated its topping-out ceremony in February 2012 and is going to be the first building on Bielefeld University’s new North Campus that will be ready for occupancy. One highlight in the new research building’s design is HERING’s façade that was realised with black architectural concrete and ribbon windows in varying arrangements. It makes a significant contribution to the impressive and solid appearance that the building creates and reflects the straightforward character of its architecture.
Carpus + Partner – the Aachen–based general planners – designed the façade elements as curtain-type, rear-ventilated prefabricated reinforced-concrete elements. Besides the rectangular, angular and trapezoidal elements made with reinforced concrete, Hering also produced and installed the betoShell® elements made with textile-reinforced concrete that were used for the suspended ceiling and reveal cladding. Reinforced concrete was used to manufacture the elements, which were then finished with a fine wash at Hering’s factory to expose the black and crystalline rock components and make the façade sparkle in the sunlight. An acidified and thus slightly roughened finish was chosen for the betoShell® elements.
