The building industry is responsible for about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions and for more than 60% of the quantity of waste worldwide. The reuse of materials and the revitalisation of existing buildings is the key to reduce these tremendous figures and their impact on our environment and the climate. Therefore, the studio deals with a building that was supposed to be demolished, but offers great potential for repurposing and revitalization. It is the former dining hall of the Merseburg University of Applied Sciences, currently a lost place at the edge of the university campus but in the immediate vicinity of the data processing centre and a projected modern laboratory building.

The idea is, to redesign this building to give it a new life as an innovation hub. In 1974, when it opened, it was an icon of modern architecture in East Germany, much cooler than the other buildings on the campus that date back to the 1950ies and 60ies. To make it cool again is the aim of the studio. The building is intended to accommodate various functions, but synergistic effects combine them. First a regional digitisation centre that hosts start-up companies who deal with different digital service platforms for the region, with data protection and IT-safety and with the digitisation of the regional healthcare facilities. Second: a regional 3D-printing hub and third, as an additional important pillar the training and continuing education of professionals in healthcare with a focus on digitisation in this field. As a possible extension of the building, temporary housing for the trainees might be planned.