Constructive design
Summer semester 2026
Wüsteneutzsch lock stairs
Bicycle station and outdoor camp
Module no.: AD 510Supervision: Prof. Ansgar Schulz, Prof. Benedikt Schulz, Sofia Ceylan, Enrico Glotz, Nina Gromoll, Paul Schmelzer
The most important engineering structure of both the Saale-Elster Canal and the entire southern wing of the Mittelland Canal was the planned lock staircase near Wüsteneutzsch. It consisted of two locks arranged one behind the other, which together were to overcome a height difference of around 22 meters.
The existing ruins are a relic of a time when rivers were central traffic arteries. Historic shipping, in particular the so-called "1,000-ton ships", was characterized by the efficient and comparatively resource-saving transport of large quantities of goods. Movement took place in harmony with the landscape and its natural conditions. Speed played a subordinate role; the decisive factor was reliable and energy-efficient transportation. With the shift of freight transport to the road, this relationship has changed fundamentally. Today, the truck stands for maximum flexibility and speed, but also for significantly higher energy consumption and an increasing burden on the environment and infrastructure. The original logic of slow, landscape-bound movement has largely been lost.
The bicycle is a surprising link to this original form of transportation. It stands for a new, conscious form of mobility that is once again more oriented towards the landscape and uses minimal energy. In contrast to historical navigation, however, the bicycle is not primarily used for transportation, but for the individual experience of space, route and surroundings.
The aim of the task is to examine a historical infrastructure object and transform it into a contemporary context of use. The existing lock staircase is to be preserved as an identity-forming structure, activated and spatially developed further.
At the heart of the design is the integration of a covered outdoor swimming pool within the ruins. This creates a direct connection to the element of water and makes the original function of the site tangible. The existing towers and walls are to be made usable as climbing structures and integrated into the overall concept.
In addition, a functional building is to be developed that includes catering, reception, service areas and a conference room. In addition, a differentiated accommodation offer for individual travelers, families and groups such as school classes is to be provided. The facility will be linked to cycle tourism and integrated as a station in an overarching network of sustainable mobility.
The outdoor space is to be designed in such a way that it links the individual uses and strengthens the spatial impact of the historic site.
The aim is to develop a place that goes beyond its function and acts as a space for experience. The former transportation infrastructure will be transformed into a station for conscious travel.
Registration: via selma
Winter semester 2025/26
Tanzhaus Hellerau
Module no.: AD 510
Supervision: Prof. Ansgar Schulz, Prof. Benedikt Schulz, Sofia Ceylan, Enrico Glotz, Nina Gromoll, Paul Schmelzer
Dresden played a central role in the development of progressive expressive dance in Germany in the early 20th century. The starting point was the combination of reformist pedagogical ideas, artistic experimentation and urban planning commitment, which found its most visible expression in the garden city of Hellerau. The Festspielhaus Hellerau in particular became an international magnet for dance, music and movement. Under the direction of Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, a new pedagogical approach was developed here that closely combined music and rhythmic movement. The school in Hellerau was the first educational institution to systematically teach this method, attracting artists from all over Europe.
Today, Dresden's role in the history of expressive dance is honored in research and contemporary dance practice. The historical legacy, which was particularly shaped by Hellerau, forms the basis for festivals, workshops and international collaborations that continue progressive expressive dance while keeping the connection between dance, pedagogy and artistic experimentation alive. The artistic vision of conveying emotion, personality and community through movement continues to shape aesthetic and educational practice in Dresden to this day.
The design brief includes an outstanding architectural addition on the site of the Festspielhaus Hellerau with a new dance house. We encourage you to develop creative solutions as to how the area around the Festspielhaus can make its performances more accessible to the public with your building design. The performance and rehearsal spaces should be designed to accommodate different dance forms and types of performance. These spaces are used for both rehearsal and performance and should have a special architectural appearance and supporting structure. The aim is to develop an individual, wide-span supporting structure in combination with steel as a building material. Combinations of materials with other materials are possible as well as a pure supporting structure made of steel.
Registration: via selma