Sep 24, 2025
Start of construction for the new Lehmann Center: More space for digital transformation
Construction work has begun on the Lehmann Center office building (LZB) south of Nöthnitzer Straße. In the immediate vicinity of the Faculty of Computer Science, the computer center of TUD Dresden University of Technology, and the recently relocated DLR Institute for Software Development, a central location for digital sciences is being created at TUD. As the new home of the Center for Interdisciplinary Digital Sciences (CIDS), the five-story building will provide space for over 600 staff from eight departments – the central service units and the associated research units. They will join forces to tackle key issues pertaining to digital transformation. The LZB brings together the CIDS's expertise in digital transformation – from cutting-edge research and direct applications to central services and infrastructures that support researchers from all academic disciplines.
The start of construction marks a major step forward in both the construction projects and the strategic development of the TUD campus with regard to digital research, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and societal transformation. The building is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2029. The construction is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The laying of the foundation stone is scheduled for spring 2026.
"As a hub for digital sciences, CIDS connects all faculties, opens doors for collaboration, and provides impetus in all directions. Research, infrastructure, and services are bundled under one roof to form a center that develops and tests innovative methods and technologies and brings them into application and into society," says Prof. Wolfgang E. Nagel, founding director of CIDS.
One center – two buildings: A strong network of cutting-edge digital research
The new Lehmann Center Office Building (LZB) complements the Lehmann Center Data Center (LZR), which opened in 2015, providing space for people, ideas, and collaboration. While the LZR houses the high-performance computers and central server and storage systems of TUD as well as other research institutions, the LZB brings together people – researchers, developers, service teams, and partners from science, industry, and politics.
In close proximity to the Faculty of Computer Science and TUD's CeTI (Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop) Cluster of Excellence, a network is emerging that combines cutting-edge research in the field of digital infrastructures and application-oriented development. This proximity in terms of location and content is a decisive success factor for interdisciplinary research and contributes directly to the innovation and digitalization strategy of the Free State of Saxony.
New work concept to promote innovation – exhibitions planned
The LZB is designed as an open space for networking, sharing ideas, and working together – from daily collaboration in modern “new work” areas to international conferences and living labs. The architecture and room concept bring the interdisciplinary approach of the CIDS to life. The open structure with five floors, a central lecture hall, meeting areas, and two foyers fosters interaction, inspiration, and innovation. The institute's research will be made visible in particular in the form of a permanent, modular exhibition in the main foyer. Developed by the CIDS Interactive Science Lab under the title //DataSpaces, the exhibition provides insights into the activities of the CIDS departments and their partners, which you can already experience in exhibitions such as the COSMO Science Forum in the Kulturpalast.
Essential contribution to the Excellence Strategy
As an interdisciplinary center, CIDS plays a pivotal role in TUD's Excellence Strategy. Guided by the principle that digitalization is a key factor for institutional renewal and future viability, it promotes and supports digitalization processes in all areas of the university's activities. As a scientific and infrastructural hub, CIDS also drives the development and use of artificial intelligence. As a result, there will be novel forms of collaboration, more efficient processes, and new opportunities for all members of TUD to actively shape digital technologies.
Contact
Jacqueline Papperitz
Project Coordinator/Public Relations
Center for Interdisciplinary Digital Sciences (CIDS)
Tel.: +49 351 463 32431
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