The question of "What binds the world in its innermost core?" was on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's mind in "Faust." Many researchers at Chemnitz University of Technology also search for answers to this question. At the new Transmission Electron Microscopy Center (TEM-Center), officially opened on April 14^th, 2026, at Erfenschlager Straße 73 in Chemnitz, researchers aim to visualize structures smaller than the wavelength of visible light. This will enable them to identify atoms, molecules, and the bonds of matter. To achieve this, they will utilize the top-tier research infrastructure.

High-resolution microscopes enable precise material analysis

"The core of the new, single-story building are two highly sensitive transmission electron microscopes that allow us to examine the structure and properties of materials at the molecular and atomic levels, and then translate these findings to new applications," says Prof. Dr. Andreas Undisz, the Chair of Electron Microscopy and Microstructural Analysis at Chemnitz University of Technology and head of the new center. For example, processes that lead to material damage can be examined in very detail, enabling more accurate conclusions to be made about the durability and performance of components.

A worthwhile investment at Chemnitz University of Technology

"With this new building and the two electron microscopes, Chemnitz University of Technology is once again at the forefront of global materials research. The complex technical features offered by this facility as a whole can be found at only a few other locations worldwide. In addition to the three faculties, partner institutions will also benefit. This makes Chemnitz University of Technology even more attractive to top researchers from around the world. Thus, we strengthen the entire scientific region of Southwest Saxony,” said Saxony’s Minister of Science, Sebastian Gemkow, in a statement from the State Ministry of Finance.

"We at Chemnitz University of Technology are delighted to celebrate the opening of the Transmission Electron Microscopy Center. This is an important investment in Chemnitz University of Technology and, by extension, in Chemnitz as a research hub, in our core competencies in materials science and intelligent systems, and in our university’s national and international reputation. We are very grateful to the Free State of Saxony and to everyone involved who actively supported the establishment of the center," says Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, President at Chemnitz University of Technology. Prof. Dr. Anja Strobel, Deputy President and Vice President for Research and University Development at Chemnitz University of Technology, who represented the Rector in receiving the key, added: "The new Transmission Electron Microscopy Center, which brings together expertise from various research areas at Chemnitz University of Technology, significantly strengthens our university’s STEM field in research and teaching and creates highly attractive conditions for new interdisciplinary research projects as well as for recruiting and training our next generation of academics by providing researchers and students with access to the latest technologies and methods in materials science."

Technological marvels explore the nano cosmos

The electron microscopes, which tower over four meters, capture images of the tiniest structures at the nanometer level. "To ensure these sensitive marvels of technology can operate optimally, they are housed in specially shielded, climate-controlled rooms and rest on a 1.4-meter-thick vibration-damping concrete slab," explains Undisz. This keeps mechanical, acoustic, electromagnetic, and thermal sources of interference at a distance. Experiments using the large-scale research equipment in the protected inner core of the building are conducted remotely from operating rooms. In-depth material analysis using the two transmission electron microscopes requires preparing material samples just a few nanometers thin. This process is semi-automated in an adjacent room using a focused ion beam system.

Researchers from over 20 professorships will work with the equipment in the future

The new center has the advantage of merging all of Chemnitz University of Technology’s high-resolution transmission electron microscopy equipment in one location. More than 20 professorships of the faculties of mechanical engineering, natural sciences, and electrical engineering and information technology will use the equipment for their transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary basic and applied research. They will also collaborate with non-university research institutions, such as Fraunhofer Society institutes, as well as companies.

Background: Transmission Electron Microscopy Center at Chemnitz University of Technology

Construction of the new research building began in September 2023 under the direction of the State Office for Real Estate and Construction Management. The building was designed by Heinle Wischer Partnership of Independent Architects mbB in Dresden. The sculpture "Impact", created by Stefanie Welk from Walldorf near Heidelberg as part of the "Art in Architecture" competition, frames the building’s entrance.

Approximately 13.1 million euros were invested in the construction of the building. Of this amount, approximately 7.4 million euros were provided by the European Regional Development Fund and around 5.7 million euros by the Free State of Saxony. The project was co-financed with tax revenues based on the budget approved by the Saxon State Parliament. The German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Free State of Saxony each provided 3.5 million euros for the large-scale equipment. Professors Christoph Tegenkamp, Martin Wagner, and Bernhard Wunderle successfully acquired the funding on behalf of the three participating faculties at Chemnitz University of Technology.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Undisz, phone +49 (0)371 531-34528, email andreas.undisz@mb.tu-chemnitz.de.

(Translation: Ulrike Lohr)

Chemnitz University Library is the seventh-nicest university library in Germany. However, this was the result of a current instagram survey of the digital funk Content-Network of the public television broadcasters ARD and ZDF, in which participated subsequent to nomination of the TOP 10 of the university libraries more than 35.000 followers. The predominant target group of this network are persons in the age between 14 and 29 years with a high affinity to social media. “I am very delighted that our Library is particularly attractive for young people in the main age category of people interested in studies and students” comments Angela Malz, Library Director, the results and continues: “This is not only good news for us as Library but we thus also contribute to further raising the attractiveness of the University of Technology and Chemnitz as location for studies.”

Since its relocation in the year 2020, Chemnitz University Library is not only focused on one location, which considerably facilitates orientation for first-year-students, but by the renovated “Ancient Spinning Mill” it also disposes of a very representative building in the heart of the city with a long, very diversified history since its construction in mid 19^th century.

In its interior, the building provides a lot of space for a comprehensive open-shelves area extending on both side wings over four levels, for more than 700 standing, sitting, single and team workplaces as well as 19 reservable study cabins (“Carrels”) on the top level. Within the context of the “Third Place”, the “Common Area” in the east wing of the ground floor invites with two childrens’ corners, teamwork spaces as well as eight seating areas to relax and to communicate because here not only unmuted communication but also eating and drinking is permitted. Also culture lovers may benefit from a variety of events happening in a large space situated behind the “Common Area”, which was specifically designed for this purpose (“IdeenReich”) as well as from changing exhibitions on the 1^st level.   

Finally, those spatial offers are perfected by a variety of services of the University Library for its users ranging from rallies and guided tours via training and e-learning opportunities up to bookable individual consultations (“Book a librarian”).

In the past, the University Library was already awarded several times; Thus, the architects and the builder of the building received the particular acknowledgement of the jury of the “German University Building Prize 2022” as well as the acknowledgement within the award of the Prize for Architecture of the Association of German Architects Saxony 2021.

Back to the ranking of the nicest university libraries: In addition to the Biblioteca Albertina of the University of Leipzig (1^st place), the University and State Library Darmstadt (2^nd place) and the Library of the University of Hohenheim (3^rd place) were reaching the virtual winners’ rostrum. Beside the University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology also those of Marburg, Bamberg, Heidelberg, Tübingen, Freiburg and Berlin were voted underneath the Top Ten.

Event tip: If you would like to see Chemnitz University Library live in action, you should come to the "Long Night of Postponed Course Papers" (https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/ub/aktuell/veranstaltungen/landah.html.en) today from 04:00 pm on.

Website of the University Library: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/ub/index.html.en

(Authors: Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht, Mario Steinebach / Translation: Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht)

In the year 2030, the University Library has turned into a „5D-Library”. This is the objective determined in the strategy of the University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology which she has published now in short version on a website (mytuc.org/xrfv). In this context, “5D” stands for: digital, dynamic, durable, divers and discursive. Within those thematic fields, the University Library has defined 24 measures in total which will be implemented by already established task teams step by step within the next five years.

“Naturally, we do not start at zero but we may rely on a lot of what we already achieved, for example regarding the engagement for Open Science, the promotion of Open Access, the digitization of our collections, the modularization of services and within sustainability” comments Angela Malz, Director of the University Library. And as so-called “Third Place”, the University Library offers, in addition to the place of work and the own home, a variable location of learning and knowledge inviting to relax, to learn, to stay and to participate in a variety of events and which, within the upcoming years, enhances its portfolio by i.a. a Virtual Reading Hall. Complementarily Malz adds: “Within the strategy, however, we start also a lot of other projects, for example in the field of enhanced engagement in internationalization, in dealing with new AR- and AI-technologies in the library sector as well as in our engagement for long-time-archiving.”

All started with the moving of the University Library to the Old Spinning Mill building in the year 2020. With respect to the concentration from three de-centralized to one central library location, the geographic location and the related task, the new functionalities of the building like an exhibition and an event area as well as to the merging to one team, it was decided to jointly also determine a direction for the short-, mid- and long-term development of the Library. In this context, i.a. workshops with all staff members of the University Library were organized who merged to working groups dealing with respective thematic key fields. At the beginning of 2023, a comprehensive survey among its users consisting of students and scholars of Chemnitz University of Technology, non-scientific staff members as well as external users was implemented. Non-users were included as well. The objective consisted on including the internal as well as the external point of view in the strategy development process. “In total, 630 online-surveys were filled in completely and integrated in the evaluation of results for deriving action measures”, Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht, Deputy Director of the University Library, reported.

From this emerged a strategy document comprising of more than 40 pages which was presented in summary to the Library Board of Chemnitz University of Technology in December 2024 and was highly appreciated. The short version of the strategic approaches may now be read on the Library-website mentioned above. “I am very delighted that we completed the strategy development process as scheduled so that we may now, right in time of the year of the Capital of Culture, proceed on our way to a 5D-Library” Malz says. In the mid of the strategy period, a mid-term assessment of the way to the “5D-Library” is envisaged where again adherents of Chemnitz University of Technology and external Library users will be asked for their engagement.

(Translation: Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht)

"It gets hot in the summer - for us and for plants and animals too. Since we are not the only ones who feel like a cold drink in such hot periods, the Sustainability Task Force of Chemnitz University of Technology calls on you to pour one for others," says Prof. Dr. Marlen Gabriele Arnold, head of the Professorship of Business Administration - Corporate Environmental Management and Sustainability at Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC) and the Commissioner of the University Management for Sustainable Campus Development. Specifically, she has her eye on the green tree pits on the campus square at Reichenhainer Straße. In April 2023, the Green Spaces Office of the City of Chemnitz realized the visual enhancement of the tree pits by seeding them with wildflowers. This seed mixture mainly contains native, low-growing flowering plants - enriched with some non-native plants for the visual enhancement.

"The tree pits of the plane trees are integrated into the walkway area and therefore need both protection when walking across the campus square and care with regard to dryness. This requires all of our participation, because sustainability can only be achieved together," says Arnold. The active care of these experimental greenings requires committed students and staff - both to water and to keep an eye on the development of the greening and build knowledge for further sustainable measures.

The water needed for watering can be obtained from a special large tank on the campus square, which was procured jointly with the Department of Civil Engineering and Technology and graphically designed by the Press Office and Crossmedia team. Several watering cans are available for this purpose and can be taken out from under the tank. "The three tree pits to be watered with insect-friendly flowering mixtures are near the bus stop," says Arnold. The condition of the tank is continuously monitored by the Department of Civil Engineering and Technology.

"The members of our Sustainability Task Force would be very pleased if as many members and associates of Chemnitz University of Technology as possible would help to do something good for the plants on campus," adds Arnold. So anyone who notices that the flowers and leaves of the plants are drooping or the soil is dry should - ideally in the morning or evening - reach for the watering can.

According to Arnold, the funds for the procurement of the water tank and corresponding equipment were provided as part of the Sustainable Campus Design Initiative. This measure is co-financed by tax money based on the budget passed by the Saxon State Parliament.

For more information on the topic of "Sustainability at the Chemnitz University of Technology": https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/tu/nachhaltigkeit

(Author: Mario Steinebach / Translation: Brent Benofksy)

In the architecture competition of the Free State of Saxony, represented by the state company Saxon Real Estate and Construction Management (SIB), Chemnitz branch, for the New Chemistry Building of Chemnitz University of Technology (TUC), the design of the Dresden architectural office Code Unique Architekten GmbH prevailed. An expert jury reached this conclusion on June 23, 2023. The winning design was determined from a total of 20 submissions.

The jury included independent architects, specialists from the Saxon State Ministry of Finance, the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture, and Tourism, two representatives of TUC, and experts from SIB and the city of Chemnitz. The committee was chaired by Prof. Dr. Claus Anderhalten, architect and professor in the field of Environmentally Conscious Planning and Experimental Building at the University of Kassel.

The winning design will be transferred to construction planning in the next step. The plans for the New Chemistry Building of TUC are under the direction of the SIB Chemnitz branch.

Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, President of TUC: "We are very pleased that the urgently needed new building of the chemistry department is now visibly advancing. On this occasion, it is a necessity for us to thank everyone who has contributed to this. This includes the members of the Saxon State Parliament, the State Ministry for Science, Culture, and Tourism, the state company Saxon Real Estate and Construction Management, as well as many colleagues at Chemnitz University of Technology."

Prof. Dr. Michael Sommer, Managing Director of the Institute of Chemistry and head of the Professorship of Polymer Chemistry at TUC: "The architectural implementation will create functional and modern spaces in the new chemistry building that provide ideal conditions for research and teaching in chemistry. The new building invites students, staff, and the curious to learn more about and contribute to chemistry in Chemnitz. In combination with the recent personnel and thematic realignment, the Institute of Chemistry is preparing for the future and will establish itself as an outstanding and visible Saxon location for research and teaching in the fields of hydrogen, catalysis, and intelligent functional and membrane materials."

Prof. Dr. Thomas Seyller, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and head of the Professorship of Experimental Physics with a Focus on Technical Physics at TUC: "Due to the spatial proximity of the new chemistry building to the Institute of Physics, additional necessary synergies are created between the two institutes of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. The Institutes of Chemistry and Physics are already working closely together. The elimination of travel distances will make the institutes grow even closer together, which significantly strengthens both research and teaching at the Faculty of Natural Sciences."

Prof. Dr. Marc Armbrüster, jury member and head of the Professorship of Materials for Innovative Energy Concepts at TUC: "As part of the competition, 20 designs were created with a very wide range of creative suggestions. From the perspective of future users, safety aspects and functionality were at the forefront of the jury's evaluation of the proposed institute buildings. These are implemented in an exemplary manner in the winning design. The chosen arrangement of the office and laboratory areas to each other creates short routes. Public integration is achieved through the design of the foyer with a large experimental lecture hall and inspiring lounge areas that invite exchange and discussion."

The formal statement of the jury on the winning design states: The winning design "achieves a clear appearance to the campus square with a simple cubic structure. Two offset bars form a clear building focal point." Moreover, it's mentioned that the single-level base structure developed on the front sides compellingly enhances the spatial interaction towards the lecture building. In addition, the jury emphasizes: "By partitioning the use areas into an office portion that faces the campus square and a laboratory portion directed towards the south, the originator accomplishes a very straightforward, neatly organized arrangement of the spatial plan without significant deviations. Both the central entrance and the atrium following the building direction open up the building very naturally."

Exhibition at the Chemnitz University Library displays competition designs

The results of the architecture competition will be exhibited from July 6 to August 31, 2023, in the University Library (UB) Chemnitz, Straße der Nationen 33. The exhibition will open on July 6 at 2 p.m. and can be visited during the library's opening hours (Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.). Extended opening hours apply during the exam period from July 16 to August 12.

Background: New building for the TUC Institute of Chemistry

The Institute of Chemistry of TUC belongs to the Faculty of Natural Sciences. It makes a significant contribution to innovative and future-oriented research - including in the fields of hydrogen research, catalysis, and intelligent functional materials. This also contributes significantly to TUC's core competencies in Materials and Smart Systems and Resource-Efficient Production and Lightweight Structures.

In addition, the Institute of Chemistry is an integral part in the innovative teaching of STEM subjects. Furthermore, the institute is significantly involved in the transfer of knowledge and technology to extramural research institutions and the economy, thus making important contributions to the innovation strategy of the Free State of Saxony and to the structural change in the state.

The Institute of Chemistry is currently located in the historical Böttcher-Bau of Chemnitz University of Technology at the Straße der Nationen 62 campus. Since the requirements for contemporary research and teaching can only be realized to a limited extent in the existing rooms in this environment, the Institute of Chemistry is to be given a new location through a new building with state-of-the-art teaching, laboratory, and research facilities at the Reichenhainer Straße campus.

At the Reichenhainer Straße campus, the Institute of Physics, the Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), the Engineering Sciences, as well as the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (IWU), and the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nanosystems (ENAS) are already located, with which the Institute of Chemistry is closely intertwined through research, teaching, and transfer.

The resulting spatial consolidation of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, as well as the proximity to the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and the Fraunhofer Institutes, is expected to create enriching synergy effects in teaching and research. The New Chemistry Building thus completely repositions the Institute of Chemistry and the Faculty of Natural Sciences and sets an important course for the future.

The project is co-financed by tax funds based on the budget decided by the Saxon State Parliament.

Multimedia: A lively insight into studying chemistry (Bachelor/Master) at TUC is provided by a current degree program video: www.mytuc.org/zyqv

(Authors: Matthias Fejes, Alwin-Rainer Zipfl (SIB), Translation: Brent Benofsky)

Subsequent to the pandemic-related “silent move” of the University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology to its new building and the opening on October 1, 2020, on June 28, 2023 – meaning exactly 1.000 days later – the great celebration happens. The University Library takes the opportunity of its 1.000-days-jubilee at its new location at the “Old Spinning Mill” to invite not only the members and adherents of Chemnitz University of Technology but also all citizens of Chemnitz and beyond to join. The celebration is supported by the new neighbors: Thus, the Chemnitz Arts Collections as well as the culture and arts center “Weltecho” contribute offers to the program. Partners from the Brühl nearby will take care for creature comfort and contribute offers for children.

From 2 pm on, a broad program including trips through time and books for take-away via an exhibition, an “interactive Magic Book” and “Rare University Library Treasures” up to a wheel of fortune and a library quiz, where prizes may be gained, attends the visitors. In addition, every hour within the period from 4 pm to 7 pm guided tours through the new Library building are offered. The background music is provided from 5 pm on by the Stollberg City Band and from 7 pm on by the band “Solche”.

However, the event offers are not limited to the University Library building. In fact, also the neighboring Chemnitz Arts Collections participate. In case of interest, from 2 pm on visitors may take part at a rally between the University Library and the Arts Collections. In the building of the Arts Collections may for instance images being puzzled, own artworks being stamped as well as new things from leftover wallpaper being created. Furthermore, there is offered the opportunity to join guided tours as well through current exhibitions every hour within the period from 3 pm to 7 pm. The event offers of the University Library as well as of Chemnitz Arts Collections are free of costs.  

After the end of the celebration events at 9 pm, the ones who want may continue the evening in the “Weltecho” with cool drinks and music by changing DJs and from 11 pm on may dance into the new day during the “Wednesday Party”.

For the entire event program please visit the “1.000 days”-website of the University Library (https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/ub/aktuell/1000tage.html). As it will be continuously updated, it is worth a look at it from time to time.

(Translation: Dr. Wolfgang Lambrecht)

As part of the new campus square design on Reichenhainer Straße, two table tennis tables have been placed in the past few weeks - in front of the lecture hall building (Orangerie) at Chemnitz University of Technology and in front of the cafeteria. "Both tables are already being actively used," says a pleased Prof. Dr. Marlen Gabriele Arnold, holder of the Chair for Corporate Environmental Management and Sustainability and Commissioner of the University Management for Sustainable Campus Development. This is another visible step towards upgrading this area and increasing the quality of life.

Those who do not have table tennis paddles and/or balls themselves can borrow them as well as other outdoor games (including badminton, bocce, Viking game, kubb, balance tower) starting June 7, 2021 in the Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau’s cafeteria located at Reichenhainer Straße 55. Once the cafeteria reopens, game rentals will take place there. "The issue and return of games currently take place while the cafeteria is open on the upper floor at the cash registers," says Vicky Loske, head of communications and continuing education at the Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau. Borrowed games should be returned to the cashier's desk by the end of opening hours on the day of rental, or by 11:00 a.m. the following day at the latest. A deposit is required for higher-value games. "Currently, all games are cleaned and disinfected in the cafeteria after each loan in accordance with current hygiene guidelines," Loske said.

According to Arnold, the funds to purchase the table tennis tables and games were made available through the Sustainable Campus Placemaking Initiative. This measure is co-financed by tax funds based on the budget passed by the Saxon state parliament. A total of approximately 4,000 euros was invested for this purpose. With regard to further measures for the design of the campus square, the university is in discussion with the city of Chemnitz and the Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau, in addition to Facility Management and the student initiatives "NATUC" and "Students for Future."

Contact: Prof. Dr. Marlen Gabriele Arnold, phone 0371 531-37012 (secretariat), e-mail nachhaltigkeit@wirtschaft.tu-chemnitz.de

(Author: Mario Steinebach / Translation: Chelsea Burris)

On the campus at Reichenhainer Straße, a new laboratory and sports hall complex is being built next to the sports facilities in order to concentrate sports education at Chemnitz University of Technology as well as essential parts of exercise science research in one place. The first section of the new sports hall, which will also serve as a replacement for the sports hall on Thüringer Weg, is scheduled for completion by December 2022. By 2024, the laboratory building with a gymnastics and cardio area will be built directly next to it. The construction project is being coordinated by the Chemnitz branch of the Sächsisches Immobilien- und Baumanagement (SIB) state enterprise.

In the future, the main users of the entire complex will be the Institute of Human Movement Science and Health and the Centre for Sports and Health Promotion at Chemnitz University of Technology. The new sports hall will have three playing fields and a central locker room area. The attached laboratory building will house research laboratories for performance and functional diagnostics, evaluation of sports and exercise therapy programs, and the development of sports medicine laboratory diagnostics.

The architectural design is the responsibility of the architects PEG Planungsgesellschaft für Einrichtungen des Gesundheitswesens mbH, Karlsruhe, and raumleipzig architekten. The total construction cost of the new sports hall and laboratory complex is around 23 million euros, financed by funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and tax revenue based on the budget passed by the Saxon state parliament.

After the old garages next to the sports field were demolished at the beginning of the year, the excavators rolled in to dig the construction pit for the sports hall. "After the completion of the ground work and civil engineering work, the structural work is scheduled to begin before the end of May 2021," reports Alwin-Rainer Zipfl, press spokesman for the SIB.

(Author: Mario Steinebach / Translation: Chelsea Burris)

(Joint press release from the Saxon State Ministry of Finance, the Saxon State Ministry of Science, Culture, and Tourism, and Chemnitz University of Technology)

The new laboratory building for the Central Institution MERGE at Chemnitz University of Technology has started its research operation. The production of novel energy- and resource-saving materials is investigated and analyzed on a total of 1,486 square meters. These materials are used, among other things, in the mobility sector and in the aerospace industry. For this purpose, a modern new laboratory building has been under construction by the state-owned Sächsisches Immobilien- und Baumanagement (SIB - 'Saxon Property and Construction Management') since August 2018. After the structural handover to Chemnitz University of Technology in October 2020 and the subsequent installation work by the university, research can now begin. In addition to highly specialized laboratory space, the new building also offers office, teaching, and meeting rooms.

"With MERGE, the Free State of Saxony is expanding its international role in lightweight construction research. For scientists from all over the world, we are creating the best conditions in Chemnitz for research and creative exchange. Chemnitz University of Technology receives another attractive location that enriches the city as a whole," said Saxony's Minister of Finance Hartmut Vorjohann. Science Minister Sebastian Gemkow adds: "The new building for MERGE will significantly strengthen lightweight construction research in Saxony and thus the Lightweight Construction Alliance Saxony. At the Chemnitz site, new opportunities are opening up for further advanced research at the highest level. This will benefit not only the participating scientists but also other partners such as those from industry. I am glad that we can offer the necessary framework conditions for consistent further development. With many future fields of application, lightweight construction is central to the economic development of the Free State."

Lightweight construction technologies continue to be among the technologies of the future for achieving sustainable reductions in CO₂ in all areas of production. With maximum resource efficiency, the saving of weight, material and energy, while at the same time safeguarding or even improving the functionality and also performance of components, the advantages are clear. Lightweight construction can thus make a decisive contribution to achieving the German government's climate and sustainability goals. By combining digital process tools, innovative materials and manufacturing processes, new functionally integrated components can be developed. The use and application of bio-based materials in combination with bionically inspired designs opens new avenues for resource-efficient products and technologies in the future.

"In addition to the existing research hall, the new laboratory building is another building block underpinning the leading position of lightweight construction research at Chemnitz University of Technology and thus at the same time strengthening our core competency of resource-efficient production and lightweight structures. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Free State of Saxony and the European Union for this important investment in Chemnitz as a center of science and industry," says Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, President of Chemnitz University of Technology.

"With the commissioning of the second construction phase, the MERGE laboratory building, the integration of many decentralized laboratory facilities and thus significantly improved and faster work in the numerous research projects has become possible. In particular, the equipment in the area of testing technology, with the help of which, for example, extended material and load tests are carried out, is now entering a new league," says Prof. Dr. Lothar Kroll, Coordinator of the Central Institution MERGE and Head of the Department of Lightweight Structures and Polymer Technology at Chemnitz University of Technology. "With the help of this technology, highly filled plastic compounds for new fuel cell applications are currently being investigated, for example. Also in the context of large-scale projects such as thermoprePlus, SmartERZ, InnoCarb Energy, and many SME-supported projects under the Central Innovation Programme ZIM, the new infrastructure will significantly support us in achieving the best possible research results, which are of enormous importance, especially for SMEs," says Kroll.

The new laboratory building extends the hall complex of the MERGE Research Centre, in which research has already been carried out since August 2015. The new building is directly adjacent to its south facade. Both buildings are connected to each other on the first floor and the second floor. There is also the possibility of adding an office building to the overall complex.

The total construction costs of the new laboratory building are around 14.5 million euros, which was financed by funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and tax revenues on the basis of the budget approved by the members of the Saxon state parliament.

Background: MERGE - Technologies for Multifunctional Lightweight Structures

With the Federal Cluster of Excellence MERGE - Technologies for Multifunctional Lightweight Structures, Chemnitz University of Technology was among the winners of the Federal Excellence Initiative. MERGE was funded as a Federal Cluster of Excellence by the German Research Foundation (DFG) from 2012 to 2019. In the project, which is unique in Germany, around 100 scientists worked on bringing together previously separate manufacturing processes in the processing of different material groups such as textiles, plastics, and metals. MERGE researchers are now working toward reapplying for a place as a Federal Cluster of Excellence in the next strategy round in 2025. Additional information: https://www.tu-chemnitz.de/MERGE/

Saxon Property and Construction Management (SIB) brochure about the new laboratory building: https://www.sib.sachsen.de/download/2020_NL_Chemnitz_TUC-Merge2-Laborgebaeude.pdf

For additional information, please contact Prof. Dr. Lothar Kroll, Coordinator of the Central Institution MERGE, phone 0371 531-13910, e-mail merge@tu-chemnitz.de.

(Author: Mario Steinebach/Translation: Chelsea Burris, Eva Laurie)

On 1 October 2020, the new University Library at Chemnitz University of Technology will open its doors - with restrictions, of course, on ongoing operations and public access due to the corona pandemic. This will mark the end of the extensive reconstruction and renovation work on the site of the Alte Aktienspinnerei (Old Stock Spinning Mill) on the Straße der Nationen in Chemnitz.

The Free State of Saxony invested around 53 million euros. About 13.6 million euros of this came from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). "After great efforts, one of the most important industrial-historical buildings in the city of Chemnitz has been given a new modern use," said Saxony's State Minister of Finance Hartmut Vorjohann. The conversion of the Alte Aktienspinnerei into a university library brings Chemnitz University of Technology closer to the city center. "Teaching and research, but also student life, will thus shape Chemnitz's cityscape even more strongly in the future and give further development motivation to the nearby Brühl", the State Minister of Finance added.

"The university library is an important foundation for research and teaching at Chemnitz University of Technology at the highest level," says Saxony's Minister of Science Sebastian Gemkow. The merging of the previously decentralized holdings will allow even more intensive interdisciplinary work in the future - with longer opening hours starting next year. "The comprehensive modernization of the university library will also ensure round-the-clock access to countless digital media," says Gemkow.

"We are delighted about the completion and opening of our new Alte Aktienspinnerei, which gives our existing library locations and the university archive a common home and gives it a very special charm. I am firmly convinced that our new university library will not only significantly enrich our university but the entire city, and I would like to thank everyone who made this possible - especially the Free State of Saxony, the state-owned company Sächsisches Immobilien- und Baumanagement and countless employees of our university, who have accompanied or made possible the planning, completion, and relocation with the greatest commitment," says Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier, President of Chemnitz University of Technology.

"Our new university library is a palace of knowledge in the center of the city, designed with great attention to detail. At the same time, it is an important meeting place - not only for students and employees of the university, but also for all citizens of the region and the city who are interested in scientific information," says Angela Malz, director of the university library. Starting on 1 October, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, users can borrow books that they had previously ordered and return books that they had borrowed.

Details of how to use the library - also during the Corona pandemic - can be found on the University Library website. Starting April 2021, the building will be operated as a 24/7 library. "This will then be a unique selling point for Chemnitz University of Technology, as no other library in Saxony makes its entire range of services available to its visitors around the clock every weekday," Malz says.

The three previously decentralized library locations, their magazines, and the University Archive of Chemnitz University of Technology have been concentrated at one location in the immediate vicinity of the main building of the university. This provides excellent transport links to the "Chemnitz Model," which links the surrounding region more closely with the city and the main train station. A total of 38 kilometers (23.6 miles) of library and archive materials moved into the new university library - that is more than 1.2 million books and journals. The university thus has a learning and communication center with more than 700 workstations for various types of learning and working: from quiet individual workstations and reading booths to the shared workstations in the central reading room and places in the learning and communication area for group work. An attractive venue for events was created on the first floor. In addition, a reading garden behind the building enables learning outdoors.

Background: A construction project with considerable dimensions

Before the Second World War, the historic building of the Alte Aktienspinnerei consisted of a central five-story central building with an ornamental crown and two elongated four-story side wings with a gable roof and striking corner towers.
Due to the conversion of the historic industrial building into a library and today's complex requirements for a modern building, extensive adjustments to the existing building were necessary. The two side wings were largely preserved. The cubature as well as the façade design of the building were restored to their original form. The windows were given their old form with the restoration of arches, sandstone cornices, and vaults, and the first floor got its plaster walls back. The central building as well as the outer gable fields of the side wings were gutted and rebuilt with a modified internal structure that takes into account the new use by the library. An extension north of the central building now provides space for the stacks. The building has a total floor space of 12,354 square meters (132,977 square feet). Following the style of the existing building structure, the open access areas of the library were arranged in the side wings of the building. The middle section is occupied by central functions such as the entrance hall, main access, and reading room. The administration is accommodated on the gable sides in the east and west and in the central building.

The construction work was carried out according to the winning design of the architects Siegmar Lungwitz, Lydia Heine, Thorsten Mildner (all from Dresden) and Thomas Rabe (Berlin) under the direction of the Chemnitz branch of the state-owned company Sächsisches Immobilien- und Baumanagement. Construction work began in April 2014 with the demolition of empty buildings around the main building. Starting in October 2014, the side wings were cleared, freed of all fixtures and fittings and returned to their shell state. During this process, about 6,500 tons of construction debris were removed from the building, most of it by hand. The valuable cast-iron supporting structure with brick cap vaults was made visible again. In July 2015 the complete gutting of the central building began. Parallel to this, the outer walls were secured statically and then the excavation pit for the central building and the magazine annex was constructed. In total, about 21,500 tons of demolition material were removed.

The builders also had to cope with surprises. The extremely poor subsoil had to be reinforced and the ceiling structures extensively renovated in places and partially replaced. A total of around 330 steel windows were installed, around 185 kilometers of cable were laid and around 22,000 meters of shelving were set up in the open-air area alone.

History of the Alte Aktienspinnerei

The stock spinning mill, built in the architectural style of historical eclecticism in Chemnitz, was built between 1857 and 1859 as a result of the establishment of a joint stock company as the largest spinning mill in Saxony at that time with 60,000 spindles. In contrast to earlier spinning mills, the architect Friedrich Theodor Roschig had planned the building entirely of iron and stone, largely dispensing with wood as a building material, primarily because of the risk of fire. The building was thus considered one of the most fire-safe in the city. The spinning mill operation ended in 1914 and the area became the property of the city of Chemnitz as early as 1905.

During the Second World War, the building was severely damaged and lost its roof and top floor. Subsequently, it was used, among other things, as a food distribution center, a temporary home for the destroyed opera house, department store, municipal library, office building and puppet theater and finally as a gallery. Since 2011 the building has been owned by the Free State of Saxony.

In the middle of 2015, the conversion to the University Library at Chemnitz University of Technology began. Starting June 2020, the three previous library locations and their magazines were merged in the building of the Alte Aktienspinnerei.

(Author: Mario Steinebach, Translation: Chelsea Burris)

The current state of technology is such that satellites guide cars over roads and pedestrians through cities. But as soon as you enter a building where contact with the satellite is broken off, these systems reach their limits. Anyone who still wants to find their destination using the shortest route in an unknown and often very complex building or wants special information on accessibility needs help. And it is precisely this help in the form of an app for indoor navigation and orientation that young researchers at Chemnitz University of Technology have been developing since the beginning of 2020 - the DYNAMIK project. Specifically, the project is concerned with a "dynamic navigation and orientation system for physically impaired people in complex buildings."

The interdisciplinary team from the fields of media psychology, computer science, and engineering is taking a very practical approach and has chosen the newest building at Chemnitz University of Technology -  - the university library in the "Alte Aktienspinnerei" - for the concept environment and the "real field test" of the app. "The building is ideal for us," explains Dr. Julia Richter, the head of the DYNAMIK team. "After all, it is a building open to the public, which also has a size of more than 12,300 square meters of usable space on six floors." The focus of the future app, she says, will be on the greatest possible accessibility for people with physical disabilities. "Of course, the app should not only work well in the university library, but also in other complex buildings," adds Richter.

The project will be implemented in cooperation with project partners from business and science. For example, the Chemnitz junior research group is supported by the SFZ Förderzentrum gGmbH in collecting data on people with impaired vision. "We naturally want to take into account as many needs of physically impaired people as possible in our development," said Richter. Therefore, the junior research group DYNAMIK is pleased with any kind of assistance.

Anyone who would like to support the development personally or knows people in the target group who would like to get involved can contact dynamik@phil.tu-chemnitz.de by e-mail.

Another form of assistance is participation in an online survey, in which the team would like to learn more about smartphone use, navigation, and orientation in buildings by people with physical disabilities. Click here for the questionnaire.

The junior research group is financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) and with tax money from the Free State of Saxony based on the budget approved by the members of the Saxon State Parliament.

Further information on the user survey can be obtained from Nico Tauchmann, phone +49 371 531-30162, e-mail nico.tauchmann@phil.tu-chemnitz.de. General questions about the project are answered by Dr. Julia Richter, phone +49 371 531-37933, e-mail julia.richter@etit.tu-chemnitz.de. The DYNAMIK team is also available on Twitter under @Dynamik_TUC.

Homepage of the DYNAMICS project: www.tu-chemnitz.de/phil/imf/mp/dynamik

(Author: Mario Steinebach / Translation: Chelsea Burris)

It has been the largest and most expensive construction site in Chemnitz in recent years: The building know as the "Alte Aktienspinnerei" on the Straße der Nationen has been renovated and converted into the new University Library (UB) for Chemnitz University of Technology with great attention to detail starting in April 2014. The cost of around 53 million euros is being financed by the Free State of Saxony, 13.5 million euros is being financed by the European Union as ERDF funding. Saxony's Minister of Finance Hartmut Vorjohann, together with the head of the Chemnitz branch of the state-owned company Sächsisches Immobilien- und Baumanagement (SIB), Peter Voit, came to visit on 30 June 2020 in the presence of representatives of the University and the City of Chemnitz to see the construction measures that have now been completed.

The Minister of Finance, as the building owner, is pleased that the Free State of Saxony is able to put one of the most important industrial-historical buildings in the city of Chemnitz to a new use. For him, a central university library is the elementary component of studying and learning. Prof. Dr. Maximilian Eibl, Vice President for Academic and International Affairs at Chemnitz University of Technology, also emphasized the importance of the University Library: "The library is the heart of the university, where knowledge is stored, and an important place for meeting people.” "The aim is to accommodate the University Library, which is currently spread over three locations, and the University Archive in one place, which will also be easily accessible via the 'Chemnitz Model'," added Angela Malz, Director of the University Library.

In the renovated building, the university will have a learning and communication centre with over 700 workstations for all learning habits: from quiet individual workstations in the reading room and carrels to places in the learning and communication area for group work. There will also be a reading garden. The ground floor will be an attractive venue for events. The new university library is scheduled to open on 1 October 2020.

A building project of considerable dimensions
 

"The historic building of the Alte Aktienspinnerei originally consisted of a central five-story building with an ornamental crowning as well as two elongated four-story side wings with a gable roof and striking corner towers," reported Voit. Due to the conversion of the historic industrial building into a library, extensive adjustments to the inventory were necessary. The two side wings were largely preserved. The cubature as well as the façade design of the historic Aktienspinnerei were restored to their original form. The central building as well as the outer gable fields of the side wings were gutted and rebuilt with a modified internal structure that takes into account the new use by the library. An extension north of the central building now provides space for the magazine.

Under the project management of the SIB, Chemnitz branch, a total usable area of 12,354 square metres has been created in the building. Following the existing building structure, the open access areas of the library were arranged in the side wings of the building. The central part is occupied with central functions such as entrance hall, main access and reading room. The administration is accommodated on the gable sides in the east and west and in the central building.

Construction work began in April 2014 with the demolition of empty buildings around the main building. From October 2014, the side wings were cleared, freed of all fixtures and fittings and returned to their shell state. In the process, around 6,500 tons of construction waste was removed from the building, most of it by hand. The valuable cast-iron supporting structure with brick cap vaults was made visible again. In July 2015 the complete gutting of the central building began. Parallel to this, the outer walls were secured statically and then the excavation pit for the central building and the magazine annex was constructed. A total of 20,000 tons of demolition material was removed. The builders also had to cope with surprises. The extremely poor subsoil had to be reinforced and the ceiling structures had to be extensively renovated in places. A total of 330 steel windows were installed and about 185 kilometres of cable were laid.

38 kilometres of library and archive materials move house

Before the new university library can open, more than 1.2 million books and a large part of the extensive archives will have to move. "If all the media were to be set up one behind the other, this would result in a distance of 38 kilometers, which is longer than the distance between Chemnitz and Freiberg," says Malz. At the beginning of June, the move of the first magazine stocks of the two campus libraries and the Central Library to the rooms of the Alte Aktienspinnerei began. "This phase is expected to last until the beginning of August, and by the end of September all open access collections of the two campus libraries and the Central Library should also be transferred, so that these locations will gradually close down," reports the director of the University Library.

Currently, the last parts of the total of 22,000 shelf metres are being set up in the Alte Aktienspinnerei. Offices as well as the learning and communication areas, the information and lending area, the training and consultation rooms, and the offices of the employees are being further equipped with furniture and technology.

The opening hours of the future university library will be like this for several months: Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 24:00, and Saturday, 10:00 to 18:00. "From April 2021, we want to extend our opening hours and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This makes us the only library in Saxony whose entire collection is accessible around the clock," Malz says.

Aktienspinnerei in Chemnitz

The Aktienspinnerei spinning mill was established between 1857 and 1859 as a result of the foundation of a joint stock company as the largest spinning mill in Saxony at that time with 60,000 spindles. In contrast to earlier spinning mills, the architect Friedrich Theodor Roschig had planned the building entirely of iron and stone, mainly because of the risk of fire. The building was thus considered one of the most fire-safe in the city. The spinning mill operation ended in 1914 and the area became the property of the city of Chemnitz as early as 1905. During the Second World War, the building was severely damaged and lost its roof and top floor. Subsequently, the building was also used as a food serving area, a temporary home for the destroyed opera house, Wismut department store, municipal library, office building and puppet theatre and finally as a gallery. Since 2011 the building has been owned by the Free State of Saxony. In 2014 the conversion to the university library at Chemnitz University of Technology began.

(Author: Mario Steinebach / Translation: Chelsea Burris)

Butterflies and other insects have become rare everywhere, not only in Saxony. One reason is that in many places meadows with tall grass and countless flowers have disappeared. "In general, there has been an enormous decline in the number of forage plants for insects throughout Germany in recent years. This is caused, among other things, by constant land sealing, a standardization of the landscape and the associated impoverishment of meadows and arable land," says Prof. Dr. Marlen Gabriele Arnold, holder of the Professorship for Corporate Environmental Management and Sustainability and head of the "Sustainable Campus Development" working group at Chemnitz University of Technology. However, for the preservation of species and ecosystem services and the preservation of biodiversity, it is enormously important to create near-natural habitats for insects and small animals in settled areas. Chemnitz University of Technology wants to set impulses in this area in the future and is therefore participating in the project "Doll's houses wanted - blooming meadows for Saxony's butterflies" (link: http://www.schmetterlingswiesen.de/PagesSw/Content.aspx?id=2 ) from the Saxony State Foundation for Nature and the Environment and its partners. The aim of this participatory action is to design undeveloped areas as butterfly meadows.

Sustainable livelihood for insects and small animals

Three areas of Chemnitz University of Technology - behind the Turmbau and between Thüringer Weg 9 and 11 Campus C Reichenhainer Straße as well as behind building E04 on Campus E Erfenschlager Straße  - will flourish starting this year. "A total of 2,200 square meters of lawn - the equivalent of the area of three soccer fields - were cleared of moss and mulch and then about 22 kilograms of seeds of native flowering plants were sown, which were provided free of charge by the project sponsor," reports Mandy Polster, a member of the "Sustainable Campus Development" working group. All the processes required for this were and are being carried out in close cooperation with the Department of Civil Engineering and Technology at Chemnitz University of Technology and the Staatbetrieb Sächsisches Immobilien- und Baumanagement (Saxony State Property and Construction Management).

"The type of mowing is also decisive for the establishment and preservation of the near-natural meadow areas at the university," explains Polster. In future, for example, the insect meadows are not to be completely mowed and lawnmowers which cut the plants without shredding them will be used. "It is also relevant that about a third of the managed meadow will remain standing - even if it does not necessarily look nice. Only then will insects and small animals have the opportunity to take refuge in the meadow that has been left standing, and any seeds that fall out can germinate again," says Polster. This helps butterflies to maintain their livelihood because eggs, caterpillars or pupae live on the stalks and leaves.

"A flowering meadow is not an English lawn"

"All project partners are aware that flowering or insect meadows require a change in public awareness and responsible behaviour - also at Chemnitz University of Technology. Therefore, we ask all members of the university to recognise the flowering meadows as ecosystem services and to take care that no rubbish dumps are created there," says Arnold. Likewise, using the fields as sunny meadows is not appropriate. "The fact is: a flowering meadow is not an English lawn. It is more like a small nature reserve and therefore requires careful treatment," explains the professor. Participation in the Saxony-wide campaign at Chemnitz University of Technology ensures more colourful and lively areas and is a future-proof component of the university's sustainability strategy. "At the same time, in the final year of the UN Decade of Biodiversity (link: https://www.undekade-biologischevielfalt.de/home-english/), Chemnitz University of Technology is sending a small but important signal on this topic," said Arnold. "Every commitment counts and strengthens the preservation of ecosystem services."

Background: Project "Dollhouses Wanted - Blooming Meadows for Saxony's Butterflies"

The project "Dollhouses Wanted - Blooming Meadows for Saxony's Butterflies" (link: http://www.schmetterlingswiesen.de/PagesSw/Content.aspx?id=2 ) is a Saxony-wide participatory action. The project, which was launched in 2015, is already having an effect: the number of meadows reported by towns and local authorities, housing cooperatives, regional project partners and private stakeholders is constantly increasing. Today, more than 400 meadows (link: https://www.schmetterlingswiesen.de/PagesSw/Default.aspx?id=1860 ) are managed in such a way that butterflies and insects can flourish again. Cooperation partners are the Saxon State Foundation for Nature and the Environment, the Senckenberg Museum of Zoology Dresden, the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union of Germany (NABU), the State Association of Saxony, the Saxon State Board of Trustees for Rural Areas and the German Association for Landscape Conservation. The project is supported by the Nature Conservation Fund of the Saxon State Foundation for Nature and the Environment from special-purpose proceeds of the Glücksspirale lottery.

Contact us: Prof. Dr. Marlen Arnold, telephone 0371 531-38070 (secretary), e-mail nachhaltigkeit@wirtschaft.tu-chemnitz.de, and Mandy Polster, telephone 0371 531-31801, e-mail mandy.polster@physik.tu-chemnitz.de

(Author: Mario Steinebach / Translation: Chelsea Burris)

On the premises of the Alte Aktienspinnerei in Chemnitz, the interior construction of the new University Library (UB) at Chemnitz University of Technology is currently in full swing.  Today, Monday, 6 April 2020, the interior construction is entering the next phase with the delivery of the bookshelves.  After the shelves have been set up, a good 38 kilometres of library and archive material will be moved to the new premises in the coming months.  The work is currently fully on schedule.  Among other things, this includes the start of the move of the magazine stacks in June and the move of the open access stacks in August.  The start of library operations in the winter semester 2020/21 is therefore still realistic.

Until then, however, further expansion work will be necessary.  These include further furniture deliveries, including for the learning and communication area, the information and lending area, the training and consultation rooms and the offices of the employees.

Note: On Uni Aktuell an interview with Angela Malz, Director of the University Library of Chemnitz University of Technology, is available.  In it she gives further insights into the expansion and conversion of the Alte Aktienspinnerei into the new University Library. 

In a blog post (German) the University Library also provides information about current construction activities.

(Author: Matthias Fejes / Translation: Chelesea Burris)

This coming weekend, the Germany-wide Day of Architecture will be taking place. This day offers many exclusive opportunities to experience build and design first-hand, talk to architects and builders, and above all, discover new spaces. “There are 45 places accessible throughout Saxony, plus three open offices and 11 events,” says Dirk Fellendorf of the Saxony Chamber of Architects. A particular attraction of note is the Alte Aktienspinnerei in Chemnitz, which is being converted into a university library. On 30 June 2019, three guided tours will show the current progress of the construction.

The former factory building is already recognisable from the outside as a university library, as the name plate on the façade is visible from afar. “The construction work for the Chemnitz University of Technology Central Library should be completed by the end of the year,” says Peter Voit, head of the Chemnitz branch of Saxon State Real Estate and Construction Management (SIB). The site is one of the most important in the city, not only in financial terms of about 52 million euros, but also in the sense of the notable history of the building. If everything goes according to plan, the building will undergo inspection and safety checks in January 2020. In April 2020, freestanding shelving will be installed, and in June 2020 more than 1.2 million books will be relocated to the 12,300 square meter library.

This year’s annual Day of Architecture carries the motto “Shaping Spaces”, and this sentiment is very much alive in the Alte Aktienspinnerei. “Here, you can already feel the character of the new reading room at the heart of the building, with its glass ceiling and multi-floor form,” says architect Siegmar Lungwitz. Visitors will learn first-hand about the challenges of this construction project and other interesting facts, such as the different thicknesses of the walls which provide building stability and climate control, the special features of the 350 arched windows and countless cast-iron columns, and much more. The tours start at 12:30, 13:30 and 14:30 and are restricted to 25 people per tour. Entry to the tour is via the construction site entrance on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße. Sturdy or reinforced footwear is recommended.

Background: History of the “Alte Aktienspinnerei”

The old mill, built in the style of “historical eclecticism”, came to be in 1858 as a result of the founding of a joint spinning company, and was the largest spinning mill in Saxony, with 60,000 spindles. Deviating from earlier spinning mills, the architect Friedrich Theodor Roschig designed the building entirely out of iron and stone. Mainly due to the risk of fire, he largely avoided wood as a building material, making the building one of the most fireproof in the city. By 1914, the spinning mill was no longer in use, and already in 1905, the area became property of the city of Chemnitz. During the Second World War, the building was badly damaged and lost its roof and top floor. In the following years, the building came to be used as a food outlet, temporary home of the opera house after it was destroyed, a department store, a city library, an office building, a puppet theatre, and finally as a gallery. As of 2011, the building is the property of the Free State of Saxony.

Visitor’s Programme for the 2019 “Day of Architecture” in Saxony: tda.aksachsen.org

(Article: Mario Steinebach / Translation: Jeffrey Karnitz)

The renovation of the façade at the Böttcher Building at the Chemnitz University of Technology Straße der Nationen 62 campus is over. The scaffolding which shrouded the building for months has been dismantled, and the elegantly-designed portal of the heritage-protected building and its natural stone façade now shines in new splendor. Natural stone made of granite, porphyry, and sandstone, among others, was cleaned of dirt and encrustations, loose areas of the façade were secured as a part of expanded safety measures, and some general repair work was carried out. And the golden crown on the roof of the building, one of its most striking features, has been restored. The construction project was coordinated by the state-owned Sächsisches Immobilien- und Baumanagement firm, represented by its Chemnitz branch, in cooperation with the Chemnitz University of Technology Department of Civil Engineering and Technology.

Impressive façade design

If you take some time to look closely at the façade, you will discover many interesting details: in the center of the 74-meter-long and 21-meter-high building façade is the middle portion, flanked on each side by sections that contain four rows of seven windows apiece. On this middle section of the building one finds the decorative natural stone façade, consisting of granite, porphyry, and sandstone elements. Three pairs of figures above the main entrances indicate the subjects taught previously in this building: mathematics and physics, textile technologies and chemical engineering, and mechanical and structural engineering. 

A bit further up, at the level of the former auditorium windows, two 2.25-meter statues are situated on the sides of the middle section. The left figure, with a cogwheel and compass, symbolises technology. The figure on the right represents science, via its book and discursive pose. Attached to the pilasters between the windows of the fourth floor are reliefs of portraits of famous representatives of the sciences. Corresponding emblems are found above their heads, and each also has a tablet with the surname of the scientist. All portraits and the two statues were modeled by the sculptor Anton Händler, who taught at the "Gewerbezeichenschule". 

On the roof of the building, directly above the portraits on the fourth floor, is a parapet wall. At its creation, it was adorned with the lettering “Royal Technical Schools”, which has since been replaced with the words “Technical University”.  Rounding this out is a picture of two lions, which hold the Saxon coat of arms, decorated with a golden crown.

He gave his name to the Böttcher Building

It is thanks to Professor Eduard Theodor Böttcher (1829-1893), director and teacher in mechanical engineering, that the laying of the foundation of this prestigious building was completed on 2 September 1875, and the former school building on Dresdner Straße could be abandoned. Already in 1876, the building, adjacent to the train station, was handed over to the laboratory. The busts of Berzelius and Humboldt that are found at the main entrance date from this time. Since the 150^th anniversary of engineering education in 1986, the main building of the university has been named the “Eduard Theodor Böttcher Building”. 

Did you know?  These are the eight scientists depicted on the façade of the Böttcher Building:

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642): The founder of modern science, with the help of his refraction telescope, discovered the mountainous landscape of the moon. In addition, the Italian mathematician, physicist, and astronomer published the law of motion. 

Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781 – 1841): The Prussian architect, urban planner, and painter is considered a main exponent of Berlin Classicism. As a superintendent, he was responsible for shaping Berlin as a representative capital for Prussia. For example, he created the New Guardhouse (Neue Wache), as well as the Berlin Concert House (Schauspielhaus) on Gendarmenmarkt, and the Old Museum (Altes Museum) on Museum Island (Lustgarten). 

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz (1646 – 1716): The philosopher, mathematician, and naturalist was one of the first foreign members of the French Academy of Sciences. It is thanks to him that the colon has another function: as a sign used in division. 

Jöns Jakob Berzelius (1779 – 1848): The Swedish chemist was one of the most important naturalists of his time. He discovered the elements thorium and selenium, and calculated the relative atomic weight of 45 elements. This was all published in 1818 in an atomic weight table. He also introduced the terms isomerism and catalyst. 

Leonhard Euler (1707 – 1783): The mathematician, physicist, and astronomer dealt with, among other things, differential and integral calculus, and he also introduced the notation f(x) for a function. The base of the natural logarithm, the Euler number “e”, is traced back to him.

Gaspard Monge (1746 – 1783): The French mathematician and physicist studied mirages in the desert, and thus could correctly interpret the Fata Morgana for the first time. The Parisian professor was also considered a founder of descriptive geometry. 

James Watt (1736 – 1819): The Scotland-born inventor and mechanic made a significant contribution to the development of the steam engine, leading to its industrial breakthrough. He is also considered to be the inventor of the copying press and the steam condenser. In his honor, the unit of power is called a Watt.

Karl Karmarsch (1803 – 1879): The Viennese-born engineer was the founder of the Higher Technical School in Hannover, which is known today as Leibniz University, and was the head of the school for 44 years. The writer and scholar was also considered a founder of Mechanical Technology as an academic discipline. 

(Author: Mario Steinebach, Translation: Jeffrey Karnitz)

After eleven months of construction, the “Campulino” Daycare Center, located directly on the Chemnitz University campus and operated by Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau, was officially opened on July 12, 2018. Construction began on August 11, 2017 and cost approximately 2.7 million euros. The “Campulino” daycare center’s goal is to encourage children’s team spirit and investigative nature. Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier emphasizes the daycare center’s importance for Chemnitz University and for Chemnitz as a city: “The compatibility of family and career is one of our key priorities at Chemnitz University. At this point, almost ten percent of our students have children and demand for daycare services has increased substantially in the last two years. I am very pleased to announce that the “Campulino” daycare center will make these services available to even more families and we will better be able to meet the standards we have set for ourselves as a family-friendly university.” Following his speech, the University President presented the center with 100 bibs for the children to use.

In her address, Saxony’s Minister of Higher Education, Research and the Arts, Dr. Eva-Maria Stange underlined the significance of the on-campus daycare center: “This daycare center run by Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau is a good example of how student unions in Saxony can establish a social infrastructure framework that enables students to focus on their studies and successfully complete their degrees. Chemnitz University of Technology can continue to endeavor to meet their standards as a family-friendly university and other Chemnitz residents are also invited to take advantage of this offer. With this coalition agreement, we hope to support students’ ability to balance academics with family life and to continually improve in our efforts.

For the city of Chemnitz, the new daycare center helps to ease the problem of high demand for daycare places, says Mayor Barbara Ludwig: “Chemnitz is growing – through more births and people moving into the city. The city is reacting this trend by expanding education facilities. Independent sponsors represent an important cornerstone in the effort to provide sufficient places in childcare facilities. I would like to thank Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau for their audacity, dedication and commitment to this endeavor.”

Proven Pedagogical Concept

The concept is based on the “Reggio Approach”, according to daycare director Katja Weinhold: “This means that children will determine their own development through their curiosity and creativity. They are allowed and encouraged to decide for themselves how they would like to spend their time. Often, they create projects and creative works based on collections of found objects and everyday items.” The teachers are therefore also companions on the children’s learning and exploration journey and offer opportunities for play and the essential basic conditions. Children are encouraged to construct their own toys according to their own imaginations. “We always attempt to interact with the children on their level and support them in whatever they are doing. We are always reflecting on the pedagogical process,” says Katja Weinhold.

The facilities are adapted to meet the pedagogical specifications. A large “piazza” in the middle of the building invites visitors to participate in a common exchange and to spend time together. The rooms are designed in an open format and are decorated with the children’s art projects. These “talking walls” are found throughout the building and they serve to document everyday life in the daycare center.

After a “settling in” phase, 17 teachers will care for 100 children. The places were assigned in a very short period of time. Applications from students and Chemnitz University members were assigned a higher priority. In addition, Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau has arranged an agreement with the Fraunhofer Institutes for daycare places. Applications for the center are also accepted via Chemnitz’s “Kita-Portal”.

“Campulino” is open from 7 am through 6 pm, corresponding to everyday university life. Minister Stange praised these operating hours: “The Saxon State Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts is concerned with supporting scientists as they pursue their career paths. Oftentimes, they feel they are forced to choose between having a family and having a career. I hope that daycare centers like “Campulino”, whose opening hours are adapted to meet the demands of university operations, will help to ease some of this pressure.”

More information is available from: Ulf Walther, Director of Communications, Tel.: +49 371/628-126 // +49 172 9435 882, E-mail: ulf.walther@swcz.de

Background: Naming of the Daycare Center

The name “Campulino” emerged as a result of a competition among employees of Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau. It is intended to emphasize the closeness of the center to the university environment. The name is also intended to be understood across languages and borders, as children from 18 countries will attend “Campulino”.

Background: Family-friendly University

Chemnitz University was designated Saxony’s first family-friendly university. The audit was completed in 2007 and has since been re-confirmed multiple times. In June 2018, the university also signed the “Family in Higher Education Institutions” charter and reaffirmed its commitment to pursing ambitious standards in family-orientation.

Notice: This University News report is based on a press-release from Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau.

(Translation: Sarah Wilson)

Update on the university news article “Greener, Safer and with comfort” from February 23^rd, 2017

(You find the original article below)

The expansion of the barrier-free fast-travel network (“Chemnitz Model”) as well as the upgrading of the campus plaza between the auditorium building, Weinhold building, the canteen, and the dormitories in Thüringer Weg are expected to end on December 8, 2017. Currently, the intensive construction work is still going on and focuses on the railway and street works, as well as the redesign of the campus plaza.

As it is still a construction site, please be careful and follow the adjusted paths and temporary road crossings. For your own safety, do not cross the construction barriers.

After the construction work is finished, the new campus plaza will be the mainstay of Chemnitz University of Technology at the university site Reichenhainer Street. The campus plaza will be greener, safer due to traffic calming, and invites to linger for a while with its replanting and new lighting concept.

Original article:

It is going to be the mainstay of the Chemnitz University of Technology at Reichenhainer Straße: the new campus plaza between the auditorium building, Weinhold building, the canteen, and the dormitories in Thüringer Weg. The campus plaza will be greener, safer due to traffic calming, and invites to linger for a while due to its replanting and new lighting concept.

Seamless route from local to long-distance transport

The construction work on the Reichenhainer Straße are not only part of the masterplan for the location development of the university but also a part of the so-called “Chemnitz Model”. The vision of the aspiring and innovative project: a seamless route from local to long-distance transport. With the linking of tram and railway lines, the Chemnitz model offers an effective and cost-efficient – as it is a direct – route between the main center Chemnitz and the surrounding area. As the train cannot stop everywhere, bus stops close to the train stations offer short changeover paths to the local bus lines. “The model does not only strengthen Chemnitz and the surrounding areas but it also sets national standards for an ecologic and economic reasonable mobility”, Chemnitz head mayor Barbara Ludwig states.

The complete costs for the project are approximately 300 million euros. The soon to begin construction work at Reichenhainer Straße amounts to 3,5 million euros and accounts for over 10% of the complete budget. Involved in the financing of the project are the EU, the federal government and the Free State of Saxony. The Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen (VMS) is in the leading role. For the concrete realization of the project the VMS cooperates with the City of Chemnitz, the Deutsche Bahn, the CVAG, and the designers and construction firms.

Region – Main Station – Campus

The ceremonial opening of the first step took place on October 10, 2016. Since then, the cities of Burgstädt, Mittweida and Hainichen have a direct traffic service via the main station Chemnitz to the central station in hourly intervals. Now, the Chemnitz University of Technology will be included into this fast-travel network. Trains coming from Burgstädt, Mittweida and Hainichen are then able to run up to the campus of the university. Another feature: As well as locally as on the railway lines a barrier-free passenger exchange will be made possible.

With this new step, we will increase the connectivity between our university and many cities throughout the region. Furthermore, we also increase the attractiveness of the Chemnitz University of Technology as well as to contribute to a higher quality of dwell time on our campus”, underlines Eberhard Alles, Chancelor of the Chemnitz University.

The new campus plaza: Bringing together that belongs together

The new plaza is going to be build between the auditorium building N, by the Chemnitz university members affectionately called “Orangery” due to its prominent facade, the Weinhold building and the canteen. A grid of approx. 62 plane trees will provide a green roof with shadowed areas. In addition, on the new campus plaza pedestrians take precedence. Cars and public transport can drive by with significantly reduced speed. The design follows the concept of “Shared Space” a collectively used space for different transport users. The momentarily by the Reichenhainer Straße divided areas grow together and provide a free, uniform space. Dark exposed concrete and seat covers made from wood are the new and uniform furnishing, completing the design and offering various spaces to linger and stay. Additionally, bicycle racks add to the equipment of the plaza. Shining steles guarantee a safe passage and linger spot also at night.

Upgrading works from March till December

In order to realize the expansion of the barrier-free fast-travel network as well as the upgrade on the campus plaza until December 2017, the construction works and therefore the traffic calming will start on March 6, 2017. Affected is the section of the Reichenhainer Sraße beginning from Dittesstraße to Wartburg Straße and will also interfere with the road, bicycle, and bus line traffic. The goods transport will be redirected over the Wartburg and Bernsdorfer Straße. Not affected is the ambulance service. An alternative parking spot will be set up at the level of the research hall of the Federal Cluster of Excellence MERGE at the beginning of March. Bicycle traffic will be rerouted over Fraunhofer and Rosenbergstraße. Access traffic of cars and bicycles will be redirected over the 6,50 m wide central strip on the Reichenhainer Straße starting on march 6, 2017. As it is still a construction site it is important to follow the specified routes. Construction barriers are for your own safety and are not to be passed.

Further changes also impair the line traffic of the CVAG from March till December: Affected are the bus lines 22, 51 and N14. Line 51 will already be redirected on February 27, 2017. In the area of the Reichenhainer Straße the lines 51 and N14 will be diverted in both directions over Wartburg and Bernsdorfer Straße. Compensating bus stops will be erected in the Dittess- and Wartburgstraße. In the area of the Südbahnhof, line 22 will stay in its usual route until the roundabout is finished.

Information regarding the current construction developments can be viewed on the Blog of the Department of Facility and Technical Management at the Chemnitz University of Technology: mytuc.org/pndn. Furthermore, the Chemnitz University informs its members over posters in the auditorium building.

On current changes in the timetable or in bus line traffic informs the CVAG: http://bit.ly/2lBB04G

Further information on the Chemnitz Model: http://www.chemnitzer-modell.de/

It is going to be the mainstay of the Chemnitz University of Technology at Reichenhainer Straße: the new campus plaza between the auditorium building, Weinhold building, the canteen, and the dormitories in Thüringer Weg. The campus plaza will be greener, safer due to traffic calming, and invites to linger for a while due to its replanting and new lighting concept.

Seamless route from local to long-distance transport

The construction work on the Reichenhainer Straße are not only part of the masterplan for the location development of the university but also a part of the so-called “Chemnitz Model”. The vision of the aspiring and innovative project: a seamless route from local to long-distance transport. With the linking of tram and railway lines, the Chemnitz model offers an effective and cost-efficient – as it is a direct – route between the main center Chemnitz and the surrounding area. As the train cannot stop everywhere, bus stops close to the train stations offer short changeover paths to the local bus lines. “The model does not only strengthen Chemnitz and the surrounding areas but it also sets national standards for an ecologic and economic reasonable mobility”, Chemnitz head mayor Barbara Ludwig states.

The complete costs for the project are approximately 300 million euros. The soon to begin construction work at Reichenhainer Straße amounts to 3,5 million euros and accounts for over 10% of the complete budget. Involved in the financing of the project are the EU, the federal government and the Free State of Saxony. The Verkehrsverbund Mittelsachsen (VMS) is in the leading role. For the concrete realization of the project the VMS cooperates with the City of Chemnitz, the Deutsche Bahn, the CVAG, and the designers and construction firms.

Region – Main Station – Campus

The ceremonial opening of the first step took place on October 10, 2016. Since then, the cities of Burgstädt, Mittweida and Hainichen have a direct traffic service via the main station Chemnitz to the central station in hourly intervals. Now, the Chemnitz University of Technology will be included into this fast-travel network. Trains coming from Burgstädt, Mittweida and Hainichen are then able to run up to the campus of the university. Another feature: As well as locally as on the railway lines a barrier-free passenger exchange will be made possible.

With this new step, we will increase the connectivity between our university and many cities throughout the region. Furthermore, we also increase the attractiveness of the Chemnitz University of Technology as well as to contribute to a higher quality of dwell time on our campus”, underlines Eberhard Alles, Chancelor of the Chemnitz University.

The new campus plaza: Bringing together that belongs together

The new plaza is going to be build between the auditorium building N, by the Chemnitz university members affectionately called “Orangery” due to its prominent facade, the Weinhold building and the canteen. A grid of approx. 62 plane trees will provide a green roof with shadowed areas. In addition, on the new campus plaza pedestrians take precedence. Cars and public transport can drive by with significantly reduced speed. The design follows the concept of “Shared Space” a collectively used space for different transport users. The momentarily by the Reichenhainer Straße divided areas grow together and provide a free, uniform space. Dark exposed concrete and seat covers made from wood are the new and uniform furnishing, completing the design and offering various spaces to linger and stay. Additionally, bicycle racks add to the equipment of the plaza. Shining steles guarantee a safe passage and linger spot also at night.

Upgrading works from March till December

In order to realize the expansion of the barrier-free fast-travel network as well as the upgrade on the campus plaza until December 2017, the construction works and therefore the traffic calming will start on March 6, 2017. Affected is the section of the Reichenhainer Sraße beginning from Dittesstraße to Wartburg Straße and will also interfere with the road, bicycle, and bus line traffic. The goods transport will be redirected over the Wartburg and Bernsdorfer Straße. Not affected is the ambulance service. An alternative parking spot will be set up at the level of the research hall of the Federal Cluster of Excellence MERGE at the beginning of March. Bicycle traffic will be rerouted over Fraunhofer and Rosenbergstraße. Access traffic of cars and bicycles will be redirected over the 6,50 m wide central strip on the Reichenhainer Straße starting on march 6, 2017. As it is still a construction site it is important to follow the specified routes. Construction barriers are for your own safety and are not to be passed.

Further changes also impair the line traffic of the CVAG from March till December: Affected are the bus lines 22, 51 and N14. Line 51 will already be redirected on February 27, 2017. In the area of the Reichenhainer Straße the lines 51 and N14 will be diverted in both directions over Wartburg and Bernsdorfer Straße. Compensating bus stops will be erected in the Dittess- and Wartburgstraße. In the area of the Südbahnhof, line 22 will stay in its usual route until the roundabout is finished.

Information regarding the current construction developments can be viewed on the Blog of the Department of Facility and Technical Management at the Chemnitz University of Technology: mytuc.org/pndn. Furthermore, the Chemnitz University informs its members over posters in the auditorium building.

On current changes in the timetable or in bus line traffic informs the CVAG: http://bit.ly/2lBB04G

Further information on the Chemnitz Model: http://www.chemnitzer-modell.de/

The 2016 “Art and University” calendar lies freshly printed in the Unishop, ready for purchase. Eleven of the twelve calendar pages were created in the seminar “Fundamentals of Design Using Technical-Visual Media”, offered by the Centre for Teacher Training under the leadership of Dr. Anne Hamker. Students specializing in art education practiced and applied creative photography and image editing techniques. During the course of this exercise, impressive photographs as well as original combinations of art and architectural works of the TU Chemnitz were created. The best eleven images made it into the calendar.

These eleven images were joined by a photo featuring a rainbow over the university campus. TU graduate Thomas Mäder took this picture in October. It is among the most popular photos of the year on the TU Chemnitz Facebook page, receiving more than 300 thumbs up from viewers.

The “Art and University” calendar is available for purchase for 10.90 Euro in the TU Chemnitz Unishop in the Straße der Nationen 62, room 108 B. Open hours: Tuesday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. to 13:30 p.m.

(Author: Mario Steinebach, Translation: Sarah Wilson)