University of Freiburg

The Cluster of Excellence Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS) at the University of Freiburg develops living materials systems at the interface of nature and technology. For the new resource-efficient “livMatS Biomimetic Shell”, built with robotic prefabrication and automated construction processes, a flexible spatial concept was needed that could quickly adapt to different usage scenarios – from focused individual work and small group meetings to large lectures.

The project’s sustainability requirements were exceptionally demanding. Suitable materials were carefully selected, with close coordination between the building envelope and interior. Vitra was chosen to plan and furnish the shell structure thanks to an integrated concept featuring versatile furnishings and a strong sustainability focus – including a high proportion of products made from recycled post-consumer plastics. The availability of second-cycle furniture was also decisive, as this aspect carried significant weight in the tendering process.

Vitra outfitted the interior as a “Dynamic Space”: mobile, flexibly combinable elements enable effortless reconfiguration for changing uses within minutes.