Gerätturnhalle University of Potsdam, Germany
Detail view of the façade
© Behzadi + Partner Architekten
Light effects on the interior wall
© Behzadi + Partner Architekten
Exterior view
© Behzadi + Partner Architekten
| In what way does this project represent a change in construction? |
Implementation of an energy-economically optimized construction plant technology / Use of freely designed, large-area prefabricated elements made of fiber concrete / Optimized assembly processes / Use of carbon-reinforced fiber concrete elements ensure a very dimensionally stable wall thickness of the large format panels in the facade area / Innovative further development or application of modern technology for the facade area / Implementation of individually held structures |
A new teaching building for the sports science faculty was built for the University of Potsdam. The centerpiece is the equipment gym with firmly anchored equipment and mats, pits, trampolines and lunges. The main hall body is supplemented with two mat halls for floor exercise and gymnastics/dance. These are each equipped with mirror surfaces and sports parquet or a jumping floor surface. Another sports room is used for weight training. Changing rooms, offices and a seminar room are located in the two-storey extension.
Entrance area
© Behzadi + Partner Architekten
Façade at night
© Behzadi + Partner Architekten
Entrance at night
© Behzadi + Partner Architekten
Training in unique surroundings
Graceful, extravagant and at the same time solid, it rises from the ground of Potsdam's Luftschiffhafen - we are talking about the University of Potsdam's gymnastics hall, which has adorned the grounds on site since spring 2020. The sports hall is a real eye-catcher in the local surroundings and a unique piece of architecture in Potsdam's architectural landscape. Above all, the façade with its embedded, orientally elegant ornaments stands out as a special feature of the building complex and adds another attraction to the city.
Functionality and aesthetics
As part of a selection process, the architectural firm Behzadi + Partner Architekten BDA was commissioned in 2015 with the building planning for the apparatus gymnasium for the University of Potsdam. The almost 3.300 m² building houses, among other things, a 1.250 m² apparatus gymnasium in the centre, while offices, training and coaches' rooms, mat halls, showers, storage and technical rooms as well as other weight training areas were distributed around the main hall on two floors. The new building has no basement and consists, among other things, of a sand-lime brickwork, a reinforced concrete floor slab, circumferential strip foundations and various individual foundations for the cantilever supports of the supporting structure. In addition, differently shaped building cubes determine the overall appearance of the gymnasium
Ornamentation of the façade
© Behzadi + Partner Architekten
Detail view of a building corner
© Behzadi + Partner Architekten
Individual window reveal
© Behzadi + Partner Architekten
Façade detail with mosaic pattern
© Behzadi + Partner Architekten
Ventilated façade structure with an oriental look
Even a layman can tell at first glance that the Potsdam gymnastics hall is not just any sports hall. Due to its characteristic façade structure, which is interrupted by polygonal openings, the building catches the eye from afar and unfolds its full potential especially in the dark. In its appearance, the façade structure is somewhat reminiscent of the architecture of the Orient with its mosaic buildings and therefore gives the entire building complex a slightly oriental touch. The façade itself is largely designed as a curtain wall with mineral insulation and fibre-bound, UV-resistant concrete panels. The latter meant a great deal of effort in production due to their differently shaped recesses and thus additionally underline the exclusivity of the building.
Radiant light moments thanks to individual polygon play
The curtain wall with its partially recessed openings not only provides unique architectural moments on the outside. The geometric shapes are also impressive inside the building, as they allow natural light to enter. The glass panels and frosted glass constructions behind them also ensure even lighting while at the same time shielding the building from prying eyes from the outside world. Sufficient daylight also enters the hall from above through the integrated skylights, so that the athletes can enjoy a harmonious lighting atmosphere. Another play of light is provided by the façade ornaments in combination with the glass structure in the entrance area, which, at the latest from dusk onwards and when the lights are switched on, shine like the stars.
© Behzadi + Partner Architekten
| Project type |
Sports Facility / New Construction |
| Client |
Brandenburgischer Landesbetrieb für Liegenschaften und Bauen |
| Architects |
Behzadi + Partner |
| Planning experts |
BAUPLAN GmbH & Co. KG Ingenieurbüro Berz GbR Eichhorn Glathe Schröder GmbH & Co. KG B-Plan GmbH & Co. KG Baugrund-Ingenieurbüro Dipl.-Ing. Reneé Dölling Vermessungsbüro Derksen König GWJ Ingenieurgesellschaft Bauphysik DR. ZAUFT Ingenieurgesellschaft für Bauwesen mbH |
