In the north-west of Cottbus’ old town, on the edge of the university quarter, two striking buildings form the prelude to a new business location. The scale of the ensemble follows the existing urban structure.
Business park and student housing
The planning for the more than 8,000 square metre Erich-Weinert-corner Lieberoser Strasse property in Cottbus is based on an intensive analysis of the existing urban structure. It features a wide variety of building types and height developments around the site. In the immediate vicinity of the university “pure living” is not desired. On the contrary, a coexistence of commercial and student living seems to be adequate at this location. .
The concept reacts to the functional and spatial requirements of the location with a specially coordinated urban figure. A simple basic structure with orthogonally organized buildings for living and working is planned. Two independent buildings integrate 200 units for students in different apartment sizes as well as small rental units for office use. The buildings are arranged in rings around an inner courtyard and are variable in height. With up to seven storeys, they are slightly elevated in relation to the neighbourhood. The ensemble thus forms a conscious prelude to the new commercial location and the urban university area. The design of the buildings makes them appear to belong together. According to their function, however, they develop their own character. The alignment of both structures uses the optimal incidence of light. Their proposed staggered heights allow freely accessible roof terraces that can be landscaped and create additional green and open spaces on the densely built-up site. Underground parking garages and the planned ring development of the two building volumes with the inner courtyards ensure a high degree of functionality and flexibility. With their recessed and inviting entrances, the buildings offer strong addresses and define an appropriate arrival point for business and student living. The submission of building applications is planned for the third quarter of 2020.
