A ribbon of thought meanders through the heart of Dresden’s TU campus. That form is manifested in the Andreas-Pfitzmann-Bau. This building stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and academic dedication.
The Andreas-Pfitzmann-Bau isn’t just a structure. It is a vibrant hub for the Faculty of Computer Science at the TU Dresden. Inaugurated on November 18, 2014, it carries the name of Andreas Pfitzmann. He was a professor who profoundly shaped the faculty.
Consider the building’s design. The architectural firm Zimmermann + Code Unique Architekten conceived it as a meandering band. It gracefully wraps around two courtyards. This layout fosters both collaboration and contemplation.
Notice the communicative space in front of the entrance. It invites interaction. Pass through the glass wall and you’ll find yourself in a soaring foyer. The foyer is a building-high space. It integrates the exterior with the interior.
Inside, your eyes are drawn to the “Bubbles”. These are three striking green sculptures by Dresden artist André Tempel. They echo the building’s vibrant color scheme. Ascend to the upper floors and discover kinetic objects by Sebastian Hempel. His “Display” features 18 rotating discs. They reflect light and surroundings.
Pause for a moment to appreciate the fifth facade. It is the roof landscape above the computer center. From the south wing, a semi-circular extension reaches into the second courtyard. A pause garden graces the building’s south side. It has water features, wooden walkways, and seating areas.
The building’s facade emphasizes its architectural unity. Horizontal breastwork fields clad in light green colored glass create a striking effect. Large, vertical panels of dark fiber cement overlay these fields. Movable sliding elements with silvery expanded metal fillings provide sun protection. Glass slats also serve the same purpose for the windows.
Inside, the building offers easy orientation. Large glazed areas line the corridors. Windows punctuate the ends of walkways. Exposed concrete walls contrast with brightly colored surfaces.
The design promotes flexibility. The boundaries between institutes are fluid. Spaces can adapt to changing needs.
The Andreas-Pfitzmann-Bau reflects the experimental nature of its academic activities. Its materials and colors balance the virtual world of screens. It serves as a bridge between the digital and the physical.
Before we move on, remember Andreas Pfitzmann himself. He was a professor of data protection and data security. He left a lasting impact on the TU Dresden. He was an expert in IT security. He also significantly contributed to multi-party security, anonymity, and steganography.