Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences - Mülheim an der Ruhr Campus Open spaces of the new campus building

CITIZENSHIP STRUCTURE
The new Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences focuses on a square that creates identity. This inviting gesture anchors the new campus in the existing neighborhood. The buildings with communal use center the campus in the public and the different faculties are accessible from this center via their foyers. In this way, the residential quarter on the south side of Duisburger Straße also becomes an actor on the campus. The Broich district is transforming itself into Mülheim's new university district. The structure of the campus supports this development.

SPACES AND FUNCTIONS
The Quartiersplatz is divided into subareas with different spatial qualities. The campus foyer forms the main entrance to the campus with rows of column luminaires. The densely arranged luminaires not only illuminate the entrance at night, they also highlight the entrance situation concisely in daylight. The square is covered with large-format slabs. Inlays of in-situ concrete mark the centre of the square and the quiet recreation areas and create a reference to the industrial past.
The centre of the campus is accentuated by a water feature consisting of three fountain fields, which have a special attraction in the area opposite the foyers. Numerous seating areas provide an opportunity for students, and not just students, to observe what is happening on campus or to take some time out. Throughout the Quartiersplatz, individual bird cherries - combined with benches - offer attractive occasions to linger.

Away from the campus center, lawn benches and slightly terraced rows of benches - similar to a classic amphitheater - invite students to take a lunch break outdoors. These places of deceleration offer seating and lounging opportunities in the light shade of the cherry trees. The blossom aspect in spring and the foliage colouring in autumn allow the intensive experience of the seasons. By setting up a large screen, the amphitheater becomes an open-air cinema or public viewing arena. The orientation of the campus towards the city is emphasized by rows of Japanese string trees running parallel to Duisburger Straße. They characterize the functional spaces of the barrier-free parking lots, the parking facilities for bicycles and the delivery access roads.
The four institute buildings each have a courtyard or terrace - sometimes more, sometimes less enclosed. Perennial plantings and one magnolia tree each turn these introverted places into quiet green islands with additional seating.
To the north, the campus opens up with lawns for sunbathing and playing. Individual red oaks take on a filter function here and provide shade in summer. Playing fields for soccer and beach volleyball have been laid out on the meadows. These facilities also serve the residents of the neighbourhood and the future users of the cycle path. The eagerly awaited completion of the bike expressway will make the campus accessible within minutes of downtown.

LIGHTING
The campus foyer is clearly identifiable as the main entrance with its densely placed column lights. From there, each building can be safely accessed via illuminated pathways. The brightly lit foyers stand out clearly from the building cubature and are unmistakably perceived as entrances. The basic illumination of the campus is completed by the atmospheric lighting of the common areas. Recessed spotlights accentuate the seating areas and some defining trees are discreetly illuminated.

Rainwater
All roof areas not used as terraces are extensively greened and release rainwater in a highly delayed manner. The majority of surface water is collected and infiltrated in decentralized underground systems.