Picture this Mensa I in Stuttgart. A massive cube of a building. It stands proudly on Holzgartenstrasse. Its history is etched into its very structure. Mensa I wasn’t always here. In 1944 bombs destroyed the original Mensa. It stood at the Schelling and Seestrasse intersection. The rebuilding was swift. Workers from the Keuerleber bureau recreated it. This new Mensa opened in 1948. Students celebrated. But soon the space proved too small.
An expansion was needed. Professor Wilhelm Tiedje took over the project. His initial plan was ambitious. A five-story building. It would include a large dining hall. There would be rooms for lectures. It would even boast living and office spaces. Unfortunately city planners refused this ambitious proposal. They rejected it for urban planning reasons.
A new site was sought. The former Eberhard-Ludwig-Gymnasium was chosen. Its grounds were ideal for both a new Mensa and a student residence. Funding for this massive project came from several sources. The Max-Kade-Foundation was the largest donor contributing a million Deutschmarks. Baden-Württemberg and the city of Stuttgart each added half a million. The student union itself invested the remaining funds. They sold land to cover the costs.
Construction finally began in 1951. Despite initial planning delays. The design was largely by Professor Tiedje. His former assistant Ludwig Hilmar Kresse helped him. Other contributors included Rolf Schmalor and Rudi Volz. They were responsible for the interior design. Professor Dr-Ing C Siegel handled the structural calculations and plans. The building features a large and small dining hall. Together they could seat 550 people. Refreshment areas such as a milk bar and the legendary Schwemme were included. The Schwemme was a student pub. It was a popular spot for evening drinks. The kitchen was state of the art for its time. It was designed for efficient mass catering. Clubrooms provided spaces for socializing. The student union had its offices. There was even a medical center for students. The building totaled 821 seats.
The Mensa’s exterior is noteworthy. A low-slung cube. It runs along Holzgartenstrasse. Its design is in contrast to the vertical Max-Kade student residence. The main entrance is on the east side. The four-story structure is connected to the Max-Kade-Heim by a covered walkway. The interior design features clever spatial arrangements. They promoted smooth food service. Visitors enjoyed a relaxed atmosphere despite the large numbers of people. Two staircases led to the large and small dining halls. The building successfully served its diverse functions.
Mensa I is more than just a place to eat. It is a landmark in Stuttgart. It is a testament to postwar reconstruction. It’s a reminder of the city’s commitment to its students. It’s a place where countless students have gathered. They have shared meals laughter and memories. Take a moment to appreciate its history. Its design and its enduring legacy. Mensa I continues to serve the university community. It embodies the spirit of Stuttgart.