The site for the new Oeconomicum School of Economics on the campus of the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf is located between the library, medical school and the university’s lake. The new building takes its form from the curve of the lake and helps define a new square on one of its short sides. The building can easily be extended. The 3-storey structure is raised on stilts, connecting it to the upper level of the university mall. The Oeconomicum is a gift from the Schwarz- Schütte-Foundation.
The building’s transparency is designed to cultivate the scientific workflow and strengthen the relationship between research and teaching. In this spirit the Oeconomicum opens towards the lake with a glazed façade that shelters a generous open space for students and professors to mix The open floor plans allow for a flexible arrangement of work spaces and conference rooms.
The Oeconomicum contains accommodation for 14 professors. A total of 100 people work in the building. The dean’s office, registrar’s office and other highly-trafficked facilities are situated on the ground floor while the professors’ offices are located on the upper floors.