Celebrated architect Max Dudler designs new Sports and Convention Center for Jacobs

Increasing student numbers along with the growing importance of college sports prompt Jacobs University to reconstruct its existing sports facilities into an architecturally demanding state-of-the-art “Sports and Convention Center”. The design stems from internationally renowned Swiss architect Max Dudler who has conceptualized a multifunctional building on a gross building area of 4.500 square meters that may serve as a venue both for sports and major events with up to 1,500 guests. The construction works are expected to be completed in the middle of 2011.

September 10, 2010

“It is a pleasure to plan a construction for a spot like Jacobs University campus”, says architect Max Dudler about his project. Typologically, he argues, urban marks in the midst of countryside scenery represented the classical university campus as it was installed by old English and Italian universities. “Our design picks up, condenses and refines the according qualities which is why we understand it as a continuous advancement of the European city in the best sense”, adds Dudler.

Treusch: "An architectural gem."
“It is an honor that Max Dudler decided to enrich the campus of Jacobs University with an architectural gem of his. There is nothing better to symbolize our idea of a modern university of the 21st century than the classically beautiful serenity and light-flooded functionality of his visions of space”, comments Joachim Treusch, President of Jacobs University, on the imminent start of construction. “Moreover, we are glad that the new Sports and Convention Centre contributes to further structural transformation of the Northern parts of Bremen”, states Treusch.

Continuity and advancement
The bigger one of the two currently existing sports halls on Jacobs University campus is intended to be transformed into a sports center consisting of one major central hall encircled by further multi-purpose building components. The distinctive brick architecture on campus is being picked up in the form of a representative brick facade of the two-storey building. Huge integrated window areas open up the building to the outside world in a visual way while glass cupolas allow for light-flooded balconies above the sports hall.

The Sports and Convention Centre's infrastructure
The central sports hall can be turned into two, three or four independent professional halls for all kinds of indoor sports. Extraordinary sports facilities will include a rowing tank and a gym. Beyond that, the central hall may be used for festive events and conferences with up to 1,500 persons. An extensive foyer, a kitchenette, various lounges as well as storage rooms for sports equipment, changing rooms and bathroom facilities complete the infrastructure of the sports and convention centre.