2012
Annex Kleine Fächer - Freie Universität Berlin - Germany

The main building of the Freie Universität Berlin is considered a milestone of structuralist architecture—despite the structural problems that earned the building nicknames such as “Rostlaube” [rust bucket] and “Silberlaube” [silver bucket].
Based on plans drawn up by Team 10 (Georges Candilis, Alexis Josic, Shadrach Woods, and Manfred Schiedhelm), the modular construction was to create a “dynamic” structure for a dynamic university. The building complex has since been repeatedly renovated, repaired, and modernized.
The most recent expansion, by Foster + Partners in 2005, added a library hall. Now there will be a further addition.
Taking cues from the original structuralist concepts, architect Florian Nagler implements them using new materials.
The twoand three-floor construction with interior courtyards will be repeated in the annex.
The annex façade, made of wood and glass, will also reference the original building: modular, defined by horizontal bands, and differentiated according to use.
The annex, which should be completed by 2014 will now be the third variation on the original façade: the steel of the former “rust bucket” (which was later renovated using bronze), became aluminum in the “silver bucket”; now it will be implemented in wood.

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Architecture as Resource / Imprint