The innovative introduction of steel and glass constructions can serve to transform existing structures, with the University of Bremen being a definitive example of this.

The addition of a large glazed entrance to the University of Bremen transformed the formerly gloomy central building into a bright and open space for meeting, whilst also providing an effective link between campus buildings.

Seele innovatively employed damped, vertically-hung wire cabled facades on this project - with this being the first time such intelligent and minimal façade construction technology has been utilized in Germany. 

The main façade has 39 vertical cables at 2 metre centres spanning between the roof and the ground floor slab. The cables reinforce the clamps for the façade glazing and are buffered at the bottom with tilt and standing suspension, with such allowing dynamic movement of the entire façade by up to 70cm. The façade consequently appears sail-like during periods of high wind.

Architect: Alsop & Stoermer Architects, Hamburg