Lecture Content

Semester: 2025W
Typologie: Empfangs-, Wohn- und Ateliergebäude
BGF: 600 m2

Creating New from the Existing


As part of the BUGA 2031 in Wuppertal, a unique architectural project will be realized on the Königshöhe: a reception and studio building constructed from reused building components. This structure will combine essential service functions such as ticketing, information, functional spaces, and visitor amenities. In addition, a separate artist-in-residence apartment will provide a creative retreat within the landscape. Together, these elements create a hybrid space that not only serves visitors of the BUGA 2031 but also enriches Wuppertal’s cultural dimension.

The competition is organized by the Association of German Engineers (VDI) and aims to promote the principles of integrated design through interdisciplinary collaboration between students of architecture, civil engineering, building services, and facility management. At its core lies a consistent re-use approach: materials from the buildings of the international Solar Decathlon Europe 21/22, documented within the “Living Lab NRW,” form the component stock for these new constructions. The task thus becomes not only an architectural challenge but also an experimental field for circular resource strategies.

Wuppertal, with its unique topography along the Wupper valley, its rich industrial heritage, and its vibrant arts and creative scene, offers the perfect setting for this building task. Spectacular features of BUGA 2031—such as the planned suspension bridge between Kiesberg and Nützenberg, new cable car connections, and redesigned open spaces—frame a project that must convince functionally, aesthetically, and ecologically.

The project, titled “Gateway Wuppertal – Creating New from the Existing,” is envisioned not only as an accessible gateway to the bridge but also as an architectural statement for sustainability, circularity, and innovative construction methods. The required gross floor area of approximately 590 m² (± 15%) encompasses both the public service facilities and the studio with outdoor exhibition spaces. Special emphasis is placed on a plus-energy building concept, the integration of renewable energies, life-cycle assessment, and achieving high architectural quality despite—or precisely because of—the reliance on reused building elements.


Civil Engineering
Anmeldung via TISS

Architecture
Bewerbung mit Portfolio via TISS-Pool


Kick-off: Freitag 3.Oktober 2025
Location: SR AF 02–1 CEE