graz center of physics

urban concept
the historic center of graz, particularly the geidorf quarter, is characterized by a homogeneous yet finely detailed urban fabric, with low rooflines and narrow streets. within this context sits karl-franzens-university, with visual connections to the city park and the schlossberg in the heart of graz. this unique location requires a sensitive response in terms of massing, open space, and traffic organization when introducing new buildings.
the expansion for the graz center of physics demands a substantial building volume on a relatively compact site. the functional requirements give rise to a complex building structure offering high-quality research and teaching spaces, while responding to the specific urban conditions of the geidorf quarter. as a result, the building is organized in layers of varying volumes and permeability.
an urban level integrated with its surroundings reinforces the gesture of openness and transparency. it provides lecture halls, event, and conference spaces, addressing both the campus and the city. generous ceiling heights emphasize this openness. sculpturally shaped, timber-clad lecture halls engage the street while occasionally stepping back, allowing light to penetrate between and beneath them, making the gcp’s role and function in the urban space legible.
two levels above form a homogeneous mass perforated by light courts. the volumetry aligns with the street frontages of neighboring buildings and the façade design responds to the fine-grained character of historic architecture. vertical sun-shading louvers also mediate the potential conflicts between sensitive laboratory functions and private residences across the street.

city terrace and open space
the historic park in front of the main university building is extended via inviting stairs to an elevated city terrace. the volume here creates a visual break between lower and upper parts of the building, softening the perception of the overall mass. the terrace fosters a strong connection between the city and the university, providing much-needed outdoor and recreational space with expansive views over graz.

upper volumes
above this terrace floats the volume of the two office floors, set back from surrounding street edges to respect existing structures. a layering of shading elements and parapets structures the mass while providing high-quality outdoor spaces for users.

access and logistics
harrachgasse, goethestraße, and attemsgasse are reorganized with wide sidewalks and tree zones. the generous street space, together with recessed building volumes, ensures good daylight penetration to the lower levels. deliveries are handled via the loading yard under the fountain square, positioned to integrate seamlessly with the urban context.

architectural and functional concept
the aim to generate knowledge from research at the genius loci and to convey it in high-quality teaching is translated into a built structure that allows openness and concentration, networking and separation, teamwork and retreat. the spatial program is flexible, legible, and permeable, while meeting the high technical demands of sensitive areas. the integration of teaching and research is achieved through vertical layering and clearly defined circulation. laboratories are arranged to demonstrate the university’s openness while ensuring the necessary security.

the main hall as the heart
a multi-story aula forms the spatial center of the building. zenithal and directed side-light create a bright, transparent atmosphere. learning areas of various sizes, bridges, and prominent staircases make the aula a hub for interaction and communication.

entrance level and events
the entrance level offers a variety of open and enclosed teaching and learning spaces. as an event and conference center, it embodies openness and links the university to the city. its generous height accommodates ascending lecture halls, including the 600-seat hall at the corner of attemsgasse and goethestraße. the structural organization of the upper floors allows maximum flexibility and future adaptability. the city terrace with seminar and learning spaces further reinforces the concept of an open, communicative, and vibrant environment, serving as a meeting point for the university community, researchers, students, and the public.

research in the basements
research areas with specific requirements regarding vibrations and lighting are located in the basements. longitudinal light wells channel daylight deep into the building, creating high-quality workspaces near the laboratories. the central aula extends to these levels, functionally and atmospherically integrating them. water features enhance the quality of these deep areas through reflection and daylight.

organization of research levels
above the event spaces, compactly organized research floors house closely networked laboratories and offices. despite necessary access restrictions, they remain visually and functionally connected to the aula. organization around light courts promotes exchange, flexibility, and synergetic use. vertical louvers direct daylight deep into the building or provide glare protection. the top two floors predominantly contain office spaces, with associated laboratories located elsewhere or operating independently. overall, the gcp is conceived as a tightly interconnected structure. internal vertical connections allow the shortest possible access between research areas, while student circulation is strictly separated.

technology and building height
the building’s height keeps the uppermost occupied level below 22 meters. simultaneously, the area beneath the fountain square can be used at grade for deliveries and waste management, directly connected to workshops and distribution systems. low-tech systems for light guidance and shading shape the facades, while photovoltaic elements are integrated into parapets and technical structures.

deliveries
deliveries on attemsgasse are managed via a ramp, structurally separated from the main building due to vibration requirements, leading to level -1. this level houses logistics, well-lit workshops, freight elevators, and research areas directly connected to the delivery infrastructure.