Vocational Colleges at Dortmunder U

Project information

The Robert Bosch Vocational College, the new Robert Schuman Vocational College, an auditorium and a centre for the creative industries are located immediately adjacent to the Dortmunder U, the centre for art and creativity, on a 20,000 m² parcel on the historic site of the Dortmunder Union brewery. Open visual references, interlinked pathways and a differentiated urban concept supported by the use of reddish long-format brick for the façades characterize the design of Gerber Architekten. The concept lifts the entire area from its current inhospitality and establishes the important connection to the city. It emphasizes the iconic presence and national significance of the free standing Dortmunder U. Designed as separate buildings with their own entrances, the vocational schools are linked by the auditorium and conference rooms between the schoolyards on the ground floor levels. The roof of the auditorium slopes above the square. It also serves as a lively seating area for open-air events. The Competence Centre is designed for flexible use. The central axis of supply and disposal and the entrance to the car park are located along the boundary to the railway in the northern end of the construction site. The main square is accessible from each floor and becomes the focus of the overall concept – the entrances of the vocational schools and the competence centre are oriented towards the square. The architectural game with the topography is consistently continued inside of the buildings, while spacious foyers and open staircases fulfil the functional requirements of direct access.