LISTENING

In the eye of the observer, the Aula is a further concentration of movement flows. On the right, the facade of the Main Lecture Hall (Audimax) penetrates deeply into the room. The central area is set back from this, enclosed by the U-shape of three large lecture halls each capable of seating 180 people. On the left, the visitor is led along a path, part outside, part inside the building, to the “wedding staircase” from the Forum Plaza to the center of the Aula. The seating steps on both sides of the crystalline glass window invite us to stay and to communicate. Upon entering the Teaching Center’s Aula through the main entrance, the most noticeable difference, besides the controlled temperature, is the softening of the street noise. The focus of the visitor is directed through the protective glass facade at the bustle inside the building. The house becomes the focal point of the user. The Teaching Center is probably the most public building on the Campus besides the Library. It was important to us to reflect the urbanity of the open space, with its flows and concentration, in the building. The development of the public and private spheres is now represented in many layers. By means of specific acoustic absorption at the right places, the resulting sound highlights the visual image. Your impression of the room remains stable and coherent. Were too many sounds to be absorbed, the room would seem smaller and uncomfortable. Conversely, with too much reverberation, the room would become unpleasantly loud. Every day, thousands of people will enter and leave the building for different purposes. For example, they may walk quickly and firmly to a lecture; they may go to the self-study zones to study in peace; or they may walk up the stairs to visit the Cafe on the second floor in order to meet some friends for a chat. After entering the building, perhaps you will be welcomed by groups of people talking quietly here and there as they wait for the next lecture.
Arno Reiter, BUSarchitektur