In the field of sustainable construction, the focus is not only on the energy and resource efficiency of new buildings, but above all on the sustainable management of existing buildings.

The decarbonisation of existing buildings is one of the most significant challenges in this regard. A renovation should not only enable energy and resource savings, but also offer significant added value for users. Residential buildings are particularly important in this context: on the one hand, they make up the majority of our building stock and in most cases, construction work has to be carried out while the building is occupied, which can significantly restrict a comprehensive renovation.

Against this background, we want to deal with the large-volume residential building type of different construction periods in this design and devote ourselves to replicable solutions for architectural densification while simultaneously taking social and ecological sustainability into account. The conversion of energy technology to renewable energy systems as well as the adaptation with regard to climate change and summer overheating are a particular focus here.

The prerequisite is that after the first presentation of the design task, the students independently select a real existing building and research the relevant data for further processing.

We look forward to an exciting selection of objects and a creative implementation of measures for further construction in existing buildings.

Due to the climate crisis and scarcity of raw materials, there is an increasing demand for building concepts that conserve resources and are optimally adapted to their surroundings. In this context, a building is understood as an organism. The use of resources is minimised by pursuing an intelligent overall concept. This is achieved by adapting to the local climate and surroundings, as well as through the intelligent use of materials, building technology and construction.

In this seminar, we will develop energy concepts for buildings. We will run simplified thermal simulation models using software for building evaluation (e.g. Climate-Studio) to examine step by step the interactions between space, material, user comfort and energy demand.

How can decarbonisation succeed in existing buildings?

This seminar addresses the current discourse and change in the construction industry and aims to open up the space for energy-efficient renovations in both theory and practice.

Due to the current global political situation, changing climate conditions and the scarcity of resources, a change of perspective in the construction industry is urgently needed and currently in full swing. The issues are extensive and the development of answers is in the making. One approach that addresses a broad field is working with existing structures. From a building services engineering point of view, this is a challenging task that requires a wide range of interesting approaches.

And it is precisely these approaches that we would like to address in this seminar.

In the first part of the seminar, the necessary specialist knowledge will be developed in theory using reference examples, keynote speeches and discussion rounds. To this end, we will approach various projects/case studies and subject-specific topics in the form of presentations/lectures. Principles of energy-efficient renovation, comparison of solutions, integrative work with existing buildings and the associated conditions are examples of topics that will be examined. This is followed by the ‘project phase’, in which an approach to energy-efficient renovation is to be applied. The processing phases should be carried out in groups and in a participatory manner in order to strengthen the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

This bachelor design studio challenges students to transform an existing building into a vibrant, multifunctional urban space that accommodates diverse activities and serves different community needs. The project focuses on the creation of a new neighbourhood centre and the integration of two central districts of Stuttgart, the Leonhardsviertel and the Bohnenviertel. In addition, the existing structure of the obsolete Züblin car park on the site is to be rethought and reused. By exploring innovative architectural concepts, the design studio aims to promote social and cultural activities in the area, ensure flexible and multi-coded spaces and enhance the green and leisure areas on the site.

Solar shading is a key functional and design element of a building envelope. The choice of shading has a significant influence on the comfort of the occupants and the coziness of the interior. It not only serves to protect against excessive heat, but also regulates the building's lighting and energy supply.             

As it also gives the building its identity and determines its external appearance, the question of how to deal with the issue and which solar shading to use where and how arises time and again.

In this seminar, we will examine the design and functional possibilities of shading by studying exemplary projects. We will analyze in detail the properties and variety of materials of different sun shading systems and explore the construction methods.

Finally, we will apply the knowledge gained in a small design exercise in order to implement the acquired knowledge in architecture.