A metaphorical academic satellite city sprouted here. It needed no bus service to connect it to W\u00fcrzburg. We are standing at Campus Hubland S\u00fcd. This is part of Julius-Maximilians-Universit\u00e4t W\u00fcrzburg. It embodies growth and adaptation.
In 1965, the university celebrated its 383rd foundation ceremony. Celebrations took place at Mainfr\u00e4nkisches Museum. Afterward, attendees journeyed to W\u00fcrzburg’s eastern edge. There, they witnessed the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone. This marked the start of the university’s extension. It was dedicated to the Institute of Organic Chemistry’s new building.
Undersecretary Erwin Lauterbach called it a happy day. He noted the university’s recovery from the destructions of March 16, 1945. A copper time capsule held W\u00fcrzburg daily papers. It also contained coins. This capsule was fitted into the 2.5-tonne cornerstone. A crane then lowered the stone. This signaled the start of JMU’s expansion.
The move to the periphery followed extensive debate. Space was lacking in the city center during the early 1960s. Student numbers grew rapidly. Buildings in the city center could not accommodate them. Principal Joseph Ziegler advocated for a new university on the periphery in 1961. This new campus would provide sufficient capacity.
University committees discussed solutions regularly. They considered plots including one on Oberd\u00fcrrbacher Stra\u00dfe. They also considered the Court Garden. Initial support for peripheral extension was limited. Some wanted to preserve the university’s central location.
The tide turned in January 1962. Principal Joseph Ziegler pushed for a quick decision. Representatives favored the Hubland site. They wanted a large area to accommodate more faculties. The Faculty of Philosophy agreed. They had urgent space requirements.
The senate voted unanimously. They aimed to acquire land for long-term planning. This did not hinder work to alleviate space shortages in the city center. Discussions continued. A Main-Post article in 1962 discussed moving institutes to the periphery. The author feared spatial division. It would result in an academic satellite city.
Principal Erich Carell argued for staying in the city. He suggested finding properties near the university. The senate concluded preconditions should allow Faculties of Natural Science and Philosophy to expand on the outskirts.
The cabinet approved extension plans in July 1963. Parts of the university would relocate to Hubland. The Faculty of Natural Sciences would move in stages. Institutions of the Faculty of Philosophy would move too.
The Free State of Bavaria purchased land. Construction plans progressed. University representatives pressed ahead fearing delays. They worried about the founding of a fourth state university in Regensburg.
Principal Wilhelm Arnold discussed construction plans. He noted they should be implemented quickly. The senate agreed to lay the cornerstone during a festive ceremony.
Today, Campus Hubland S\u00fcd houses key university facilities. These include the central university library building. There is also a cafeteria. You can find the Faculty for Chemistry and Pharmacy here. The Biocenter is also located here. You will see the Institute of Physics. There is also Computer Sciences. You can find the computing center. The Geography department is here. So is the Philosophy building. Part of the Sports Centre is on this campus. Finally, there is a central lecture room and seminar building.
In 2011, the university expanded further. It included the Hubland North Campus. This 45-hectare area was formerly occupied by US forces. It now provides additional space for the University of W\u00fcrzburg. Campus Hubland S\u00fcd stands as a testament to vision. It demonstrates adaptation and progress.