Urban Mining Student Award 2024/25
Second place for Wuppertal architecture students
Noah Sattler and Andreas Witrahm (back left) took 2nd place at this year's Urban Mining Student Award. // Photo Markus Bussmann
The Urban Mining Student Award itself has its origins at the University of Wuppertal (BUW). It was initiated there by Prof. Annette Hillebrandt together with her former research assistant Anja Rosen and organised over several years. This year, the competition was organised for the first time by the Münster School of Architecture - under the direction of Prof. Dr Anja Rosen.
Holistic utilisation concept
The 2nd prize-winning project was developed as part of a master's design course at the Chair of Building Construction, Design and Materials Science. The aim was to demonstrate the potential of urban mining as an architectural design strategy and to develop a holistic utilisation concept for the area on the Emsinsel in Warendorf.
The "Cinelofts Warendorf" project impressed the jury with its combination of resource-conserving construction methods, socially mixed housing and cultural use. Instead of demolition, the focus here is on conversion: an existing building originally intended for demolition will become the identity-forming centre of the neighbourhood. The plans include a cinema, restaurants, studios and green roof areas to promote biodiversity.
A new design interpretation
Particular attention was paid to the recovery and reuse of existing materials such as shed roofs, trapezoidal sheet metal and brickwork. These elements were reinterpreted not only functionally, but also in terms of design - for example as sun protection, roof structures or raised beds along the new cultural axis. The design is complemented by various forms of housing, including barrier-free shared flats and a children's daycare centre.
"This contribution is an example of how architecture can take responsibility for the environment, existing buildings and social needs," explains Prof Annette Hillebrandt from the Chair of Building Construction, Design and Materials Science at the BUW. "The success in the competition is a wonderful recognition of the students' commitment and intensive creative engagement with sustainable building."
