"From solitary to integral" - concluding exhibition at the Peter Behrens School of Architecture (PBSA)

(sf) The visitors were sure of gaining exciting insights into creative and innovative projects as some 180 graduates from Düsseldorf architecture courses converted the PBSA (the Department of Architecture at D UAS) into a large, public showroom on 16th July from 10 to 18 hours.

"Student’s World"
Some have already tried it out in their draft designs for a multifunctional "Student’s World", to be located in the former signal works of the railway sidings on the grounds of the planned new UAS facilities in the Derendorf district of Düsseldorf: The conversion into the "Student’s World" here as a club, lounge, fitness studio, cinema and hostel could create a central hub of communication for students and lecturers, one which would lend the new campus its own, unique flair. That was the conclusion drawn by Sven Glinka in his draft for the planning area between the rail tracks (which are still in use) and the new relief road.
Nevertheless, the way to the UAS in Golzheim still follows the Rhine. Ideas for a facelift of the northern part of the promenade along the banks of the Rhine were likewise conjured up, thereby creating an attractive linkage between the cultural facilities there and the grassy floodplains of the river. For example, Jan Herdmann: "My draft is concerned with breaking the monotony along the Rhine promenade, particularly around the riverbank near the concert hall", is how he explained his thesis. To this end, the graduate developed a concept made up of triangular spaces. The paths, however, are not structured as strict straight lines, but rather run like a spider's web. Some areas have a functional purpose. One triangle is laid out as a lawn and offers the chance to sit down or sunbathe, another provides refreshing shade with trees or a welcome break in the pavilion.

Demolition or conversion?
As the former Telekom building from the 1970's on Sohnstraße in Düsseldorf also requires renovation, another assignment was to prepare an overall construction concept for converting the complex for new uses. The aim is not only to embed it in the surrounding urban environment, but to also emphasise the historical architectural value of such facilities. Christiana Beilstein found a clever solution to the assignment: Asked to choose between demolition or conversion, she plumped for the latter and produced a convincing draft entitled "from solitary to integral". She wants to construct modern residences there. Yet as the structures are quite low and thus really too dark for living space, she places patios and generous balconies in front of the apartments. "The new, large windows would then let much more light in", explained Prof. Juan Pablo Molestina, who set the Master assignment. Another benefit is that the plainness of the outer facade is broken up and the building, once a static colossus, fits nicely into the desirable neighbourhood.
Apart from the three projects centred on Düsseldorf, the young architects also worked on draft designs for converting the Neuss School of Music into a fashion academy, for a special exhibition in the recently finished New Museum in Berlin or for an exhibition pavilion at the "Shanghai Expo 2010" – there was thus once more a great deal to see when the latest trends in contemporary architecture were presented at D UAS.

A distinction conferred
Eva Christina Albrecht attracted a great deal of attention with her forward-looking project for the Hochfeld district of Duisburg. She presented a concept in her thesis on "Multi-generation living and working" in the working class quarter. Hochfeld has long been seriously affected by the decline of heavy industry and ensuing high rates of unemployment. A new town quarter is therefore to be created as part of a comprehensive urban development plan, one that will bring a breath of fresh air to the district and also create new jobs. "The graduand has been able to produce an outstanding concept for urban renewal, not only with regard to design, but also to the content. A really innovative achievement", is how the supervising Professor Manfred Morlock praised the work, which was honoured by the Dean with a distinction. For example, the graduate included various religious buildings and their facilities in her urban planning. Catholic and Protestant churches and a Mosque form central points almost as a matter-of-fact. Small shopping avenues, set to best effect in attractive facades, are real eye-catchers. Apart from retailers, small enterprises – from tailor to painter - and even a vehicle business also gain recognition and substance here. A school centre and the workshop for young people run by the Duisburg Association for the Promotion of Employment are meeting places which, in terms of design, function and integration, encourage young people in the district to enjoy their schooling and leisure time.