Hörsaalzentrum RWTH Aachen is a bit of a tricky name to master if German isn't your forte, but the green, airy concept behind this new project by Danish architecture firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen is immediately apparent.

Their winning proposal for a new 13,500 square metre auditorium complex for the Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technical High School in Aachen (RWTH), in Germany, is part of a major development strategy, which is set to add around 280,000 extra square metres of new accommodation in total to the campus over the next nine years.

The central idea revolves around the contrast between the inherently introverted auditoriums and the dynamic and open social and circulation zone that connects them.

The design comprises of two blocks coated in green sedum grass, united by a transparent glass atrium which cuts through the building in a ziggurat pattern. Located on a block within the campus, this new four storey complex was conceived as a singular sculptural object, breaking with the existing block structure by pulling back from the adjacent line of buildings.

Two existing buildings on the block will be demolished in ten years time - creating a new landscaped plaza with reflecting pools and greenery which will increase the visibility of Schmidt Hammer Lassen's new insert and enhance the setting of such a distinctive auditorium building.

The building integrates several informal spaces of various sizes to form squares and terraces for social activity and knowledge sharing. Internally, the complex will accommodate twelve auditoriums of capacities ranging from 1800 seats to 100 seats, including several seminar rooms and offices.

Images: © Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects