JULIUS KÜHN-INSTITUTE FORUM

Key idea
The Julius Kühn Institute in Dahlem is planning a new forum as a central contact point for employees and visitors. Inspired by plant cells, paths and green spaces symbolize the JKI's research. This forum is designed as a place of exchange and learning, a link between nature and architecture. The new building blends harmoniously into the existing structure, protects against the weather and emphasizes the unity of old and new. The use of natural materials, generous skylights and a simple interior design ensure clear orientation. The library and canteen can be used together or separately and are accessible to all. An artistic design called "FRUITING BODIES" emphasizes the constant growth and renewal.

Outdoor facilities
By unsealing large areas and creating differentiated planting beds between the old buildings and the forum, a green campus center is created. Embedded in this green island, the structural part of the forum presents itself as a solitaire designed on all sides. Barrier-free access is provided at all entrances and addresses are formed around the perimeter to link the canteen and library with the campus buildings. The planting beds are planted with certified regional perennial mixtures adapted to the respective sunny or shady location, solitary shrubs and small-crowned flowering trees. The trees in the green center will be largely preserved and will be made accessible by a new network of paths made of polygonal slabs with adjoining rest areas. The existing ground cover layer will be integrated into the planting concept and supplemented with grasses, ferns and woodland perennials. A terrace is available for breaks, parties and receptions. Adjacent to this is another seating area under trees, paved with woodchips to protect the roots. All paths outside and inside the green center are designed to be barrier-free in terms of their gradient and materiality.

Architecture
The existing building will be retained and upgraded to meet the requirements. The new building will be erected as a wooden structure made largely from renewable raw materials. A cladding enclosing the old and new buildings connects both parts and allows them to merge into a new whole.

Art
The bright sculptures of different dimensions and shapes are surprising in the landscape, as well as under the canopy, in the building, e.g. library floor and on the paths to the arboretum. They are designed with the research content of the institute in mind and are to be understood as a phenomenon that permeates the entire site. The "Fruiting Bodies" connect inside and outside, shady with sunny areas, are in dialog with the surrounding plants and at the same time in color contrast. The associative sculptures encourage exchange and communication, they invite interaction and relaxed lingering on them.

Assessment by the jury (excerpts)
The Julius Kühn Institute campus is pleasantly reorganized by the proposed structural addition and the comprehensive restructuring of the open spaces. The design provides for a uniformly designed circular route and a small-scale green open space structure. The former arboretum remains largely untouched, which is viewed positively. The work represents a valuable contribution to the task at hand in all areas and disciplines. The very good and harmonious interaction between the various disciplines should be emphasized.