A new path across campus to foster a sense of community

Anyone walking across the campus these days will notice that something is changing here. Where roads and paths had to be dug up in recent months as part of the heating project, a new outdoor space for the university is now taking shape, step by step. The major east-west axis stretching from the Falkenbergstraße area to Gustav-Adolf-Straße is being completely redesigned. This includes the connection from Campus-Allee northwards between Buildings 12 and 16, as well as the courtyard area between Buildings 01 and 05.

The future Campus-Allee will link Gareisstraße and Pfälzer Straße and will follow a gently curving route. (Photo: Ines Perl)

What initially sounds like a standard construction site is, in reality, more than just a simple restoration. The university is using the project to reorganise the campus in key areas – with more accessible paths, more greenery, a better quality of life and less traffic in the central areas.
The idea behind it is clear: if construction is necessary anyway, the end result shouldn’t simply look the same as before. It should be better. More open. Safer. More cohesive. And above all, more pleasant for everyone who studies, works or visits here.
In future, new paved areas will be laid out, whilst former paths, parking spaces or other sealed-off areas will be partially converted into open spaces and replanted. Bicycle parking areas will be reorganised, and recreational areas added to the open spaces. On Campus-Allee, accessible and safe paths will be created, including a tactile guidance system for blind and visually impaired people. Vehicular traffic is to be largely restricted there – naturally only to the extent that this is compatible with operations, access and emergency routes.
The campus is also getting a new look in terms of design. The plans include spacious lawns that invite people to linger, less dense shrubbery and bushes, and in return more openness and visibility. New trees will provide shade in future and act as a green lung. To ensure the new green spaces are preserved in the long term, cisterns and a sprinkler system are planned.

 

Construction will take place in several stages

In some areas, the substructure has already been prepared as part of the heating concept. First, technical installations such as path lighting, cisterns and irrigation systems will be laid. This will be followed by the surface works. The campus avenue will take on a gently curved course. Paving will be used that visually matches the material on G1. This is an ecological concrete block paving with good drainage performance, a uniform appearance and high walking comfort. Edge areas and the connecting path between G12/16 and G11 will be constructed using fully permeable grass pavers made from recycled plastic.
The concept was preceded by a lengthy consultation process. In the Campus Design Working Group formed at the end of 2024, proposals were discussed, weighed up and further developed. The aim was to address as many concerns as possible and to develop a concept that would stand the test of everyday use. Following the finalisation of the materials and colours for the campus avenue at the end of March, the planning phase is now underway.

Construction is currently scheduled to run until the end of August. However, some final works, such as tree planting, will not be possible until the autumn. And even then, the process is not quite finished: once the main paths have been completed, we will monitor how the areas are actually used. This will allow us to sensibly add further paths within the open spaces – in places where genuine walking routes emerge in everyday life.

 

Restrictions are to be expected

The coming months will not be entirely free of restrictions. During the civil engineering and paving works, there will be partial closures of individual roads and paths. However, it is important to note that access to all buildings, as well as access and emergency routes, is the top priority. Those affected will be informed in advance.
Once everything is complete, the campus should appear more open, quieter and more cohesive – with a clear design language, more greenery and more space for relaxation and recreation. In short: not only is a new route across the campus being created, but also a new aspect of everyday campus life.