Concentration and identity Outdoor facilities on the campus of the Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences in Mülheim an der Ruhr

Urban development structure

The new Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences focuses on a square that creates a sense of identity. This inviting gesture anchors the new campus in the existing neighborhood. The buildings with communal use center the campus in the public eye and the various faculties are accessible from this center via their foyers. The residential area on the south side of Duisburger Strasse will also become a player on the campus. The Broich district is transforming into Mülheim's new university district. The structure of the campus supports this development.



Spaces and functions

The district square is divided into sub-areas with different spatial qualities. The campus foyer forms the main entrance to the campus with rows of column lights. The densely positioned luminaires not only illuminate the entrance at night, they also emphasize the entrance situation in daylight. The square is paved with large-format slabs. Inlays of in-situ concrete mark the center of the square and the quiet common areas and create a reference to the industrial past.



The center of the campus is accentuated by a water feature consisting of three fountain fields, which develop a special attraction opposite the foyers. Numerous seating options not only offer students



the opportunity to watch what is happening on campus or take a break. Individual bird cherry trees - combined with benches - offer attractive places to linger throughout the entire square.


Away from the center of the campus, lawn benches and slightly terraced rows of benches - similar to a classic amphitheater - invite you to take a lunch break outdoors. These places to slow down offer seating and places to linger in the light shade of the cherry trees. The blossoming aspect in spring and the foliage coloring in autumn allow for an intense experience of the seasons. By installing a large screen, the amphitheater can be transformed into an open-air cinema or public viewing arena. The orientation of the campus towards the city is emphasized by rows of Japanese string trees running parallel to Duisburger Strasse. They characterize the functional spaces of the barrier-free parking spaces, the parking spaces for bicycles and the delivery access roads.

The four institute buildings each have a - sometimes more, sometimes less enclosed - inner courtyard or terrace. Perennial plantings and a magnolia tree each turn these introverted places into quiet green islands with additional seating.

The campus opens up to the north with sunbathing and play areas. Individual red oaks perform a filter function here and provide shade in summer. On the meadows are



playing fields for soccer and beach volleyball. These facilities also serve the residents of the neighborhood and future users of the cycle highway. The eagerly awaited completion of the cycle highway will mean that the campus can be reached within a few minutes from the city center.



Lighting

The campus foyer is clearly recognizable as the main entrance with its closely positioned column lights. From there, each building can be reached safely via illuminated paths. The brightly lit foyers stand out clearly from the building cubature and are unmistakably perceived as entrances. The basic lighting of the campus is complemented by the atmospheric lighting of the common areas. Recessed spotlights accentuate the seating areas and some characteristic trees are discreetly illuminated.



Rainwater

All roof areas not used as terraces are extensively greened and release rainwater at a greatly delayed rate. Most of the surface water is collected and infiltrated in decentralized underground systems.