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Innovative modular construction design wins EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture, championing building innovation.
The EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2024 has been awarded to the “Study Pavilion,” a remarkable reconfigurable multi-story structure situated at the Technical University Braunschweig in Germany. This innovative pavilion captures the clear potential of modular construction in addressing the evolving needs of communities and educational institutions.
Designed by Gustav Düsing and Max Hacke, who established their studios in 2015, the Study Pavilion emerged as a winner in the competition aimed at creating a versatile study centre. Their project earned them the distinction of being the youngest recipients of the EUmies Awards Architecture Prize, conferred annually to celebrate excellence and innovation in European architecture.
The winning design is notable for its holistic modular approach, allowing for speedy modifications in the modular structure to suit varying requirements – from educational spaces to community use. The pavilion’s design is also rooted in the concept of a superstructure which supports a flexible floor plan. The adaptability of the space is central to its functionality, particularly as physical campus visits may decline in favour of online education.
Constructed from a combination of steel columns and beams with timber platforms, the pavilion adheres to the principle of “design for disassembly.” This means that the entire structure can be dismantled, transported, and reassembled in a new location, potentially revolutionising the way buildings are conceived regarding future scalability and adaptability.
The modular components of the pavilion, standardised for ease of assembly and disassembly, allow for rapid construction compared to traditional building methods. The primary structural framework, based on a 3 x 3 m square grid, utilises uniformly sized hollow steel sections, ensuring that each part can be efficiently produced and reused. Wooden decks, designed to fit within this grid, are not permanently affixed, promoting reusability and flexibility in the building’s layout.
This approach not only streamlines the construction process but also significantly reduces the environmental impact, aligning with the sustainable development goals of the European Union. The project also champions the use of recyclable materials and emphasises the economic and ecological advantages of modular construction.
Watch the architect’s explanation of the award-winning modular building
The pavilion also serves as a “blank canvas,” demonstrating the potential for modular buildings to adapt to various community needs, including emergency responses like transforming public spaces into temporary healthcare facilities or shelters.
In terms of broader implications, the Study Pavilion at TU Braunschweig offers a glimpse into the future roles of university campuses and public buildings. With increasing shifts towards digital education and remote interactions, the flexibility offered by modular construction could become increasingly vital.
The EUmies Awards, established in 1988 by the Fundació Mies van der Rohe and the European Union, continue to highlight the diversity and vitality of European architectural practice.
