1. Intro

Our goal in the course „Social Places“ was to examine spaces within our immediate environment and develop creative concepts to imbue them with new meaning and appeal.

A central question that occupied us throughout this process was: What determines the attractiveness and frequency of use of public spaces? Is it the design, the weather, or the mentality of the people? These considerations led us to focus on the Seminarplatz in Dessau as the focal point of our project.

The Seminarplatz, an open area with scattered trees, is currently dominated by a recessed circular feature in the ground known as the „Pool.“ This space has primarily served students as a meeting point during breaks and is occasionally used as a stage or exhibition space. Nevertheless, we believe it has great potential to become a vibrant, multifunctional meeting place for the university community.

In our project, we aim to unlock this potential and present a concept that transforms the space into an attractive, well-frequented center of campus—a place that invites people to linger, learn, and engage in creative exchange.

The design should be flexible and forward-thinking—a space that adapts to the changing needs of students and inspires them to develop new ideas.

2. Analysis

2.1 Status Quo und Problem Statement

The Seminarplatz currently has several issues that limit its attractiveness and functionality. These issues are multifaceted:

Low Usage and Lack of Quality for Staying: Few people spend time in the area, and those who do prefer the adjacent, sunlit space.

Lack of Accessibility: The existing roundel is not accessible for people with limited mobility, especially wheelchair users. This severely restricts the inclusiveness of the space, creating both social and physical exclusion.

Neglect and Lack of Maintenance:  The space appears neglected and poorly maintained, reducing its appeal. Leaves and debris accumulate in the roundel without regular removal. Additionally, some of the wooden boards in the roundel area are broken or decayed, which not only affects the appearance but also endangers user safety.

Lack of Weather Protection: There is no shelter, leaving people exposed to the weather. While trees provide shade, they offer no protection from rain, making the area nearly unusable in poor weather.

Impractical Layout: The round shape of the roundel is not ideal for user interaction. People primarily sit in spots where they can face each other directly, leading to underuse of the available space. Additionally, there are no suitable areas for working or studying.

Potential of the Visual Axis: The forecourt lies in the visual axis between the Bauhaus and the train station, theoretically giving it an important role on campus. However, this potential remains untapped due to the current design and neglect of the area.

2.2 Sourroundings

The Seminarplatz is a central hub on the campus and plays an important role in the institution's public image. As one of its visible landmarks, it greatly influences the perception of the university. We see great potential in transforming this space into an attractive meeting point that can connect students, faculty, and Dessau residents with the university community. This place could evolve into a center of exchange that fosters interactions between the university and the city's residents.

2.3 Target Group

Primary Target Group

The primary target group for our concept is the university community at in Dessau, particularly the students who use the campus daily. Since the Seminarplatz is located on the university grounds, it is primarily frequented by students. The redesign aims to address the diverse needs of this group:

Students on Breaks: Many students spend their breaks outdoors to relax, eat, or socialize. Our concept includes a design that invites people to stay and provides ample seating and shaded areas to make their breaks enjoyable.

Students Seeking Quiet: In addition to social interactions, there is a group of students who wish to work in a quiet environment or prepare for upcoming lectures and exams. For this target group, we will offer secluded areas that are shielded from the hustle and bustle of the campus, promoting focused work.

Study and Work Groups: Since the concept includes flexible, multifunctional areas, the forecourt can also serve as a meeting place for group work or even for classes that wish to hold their lessons outdoors. This aligns with the growing demand for alternative learning environments that encourage creativity and interaction.

Secondary Target Group

External Visitors to the Campus: Visitors to the university, such as guests of the Dessau Design Show, can use the newly designed space as an exhibition or relaxation area. People waiting for trains or passing through the campus should also be invited to use this space through appealing design.

Youth and Local Residents: The forecourt could also become an attraction in the evenings for local youth or residents looking to hang out or engage in recreational activities outside of regular campus hours.

The redesign thus aims to appeal to a wide range of users—from students and university courses to external visitors and residents—making the space a vibrant, multifunctional meeting point for everyone.

3. Mission Statement (Mindset)

Our vision is to create a modern, vibrant campus centerpiece that attracts attention from afar and invites people to linger. The space should not only be a place for gathering but also provide room for creativity, collaboration, and quiet. In an inviting atmosphere, students can meet for group work as well as individual study sessions, while open areas remain available for exchange, events, and creative projects.

Our mindset in developing this concept is significantly shaped by three central aspects:

Accessibility: Inclusive design is of utmost importance to us. Our goal is to create a space that is equally accessible and usable for all people. This area should invite individuals to interact without limitations or barriers. We want to ensure that everyone—regardless of physical or other circumstances—can easily use the space and feel welcome.

Learning Environment in Nature: Another key element of our concept is the creation of outdoor workspaces. Students should have the opportunity to escape the confines of indoor spaces and learn and work in a natural setting. Fresh air, natural light, and movement in nature enhance concentration and well-being, contributing to a more productive and creative learning atmosphere overall.

Connection of Leisure and Learning Environment: Flexibility is at the heart of our design. We want to create a space that can serve both as a learning area and as a meeting point for leisure activities. This area should offer a multifunctional platform that adapts to the needs of its users—whether for collaborative work, relaxed meetings with friends, or as a backdrop for events and exhibitions.

3.1 Meaning (Impact, Goals)

• An increased use of the space would contribute to a more vibrant campus life.

• Accessibility promotes social justice and fosters a culture of equality.

• Enhancement of the aesthetic appearance of the campus.

• Improvement of the university’s image.

• Weather-protected areas allow for year-round usability.

• Thoughtful, flexible design of the space would enable versatile use.

• Creation of a dynamic space.

• The area could become a central point of orientation.

4. Process

Our design process began with the creation of individual mood boards. Each team member initially developed ideas independently, which were then presented and discussed in the group. We specifically looked for overlaps and found that we all shared a common goal: to create a place that considers the diverse needs of students. Common ideas included the integration of a second level, the vision of a „green classroom,“ the retention of the pool, and the creation of a multifunctional space.

Based on this foundation, we started measuring the Seminarplatz and sketching various models. Through iterative design phases and continuous exchange, we eventually developed a concept that combined all our requirements and ideas.

5. final concept

Concept 1

Our concept for redesigning the space is based on a central element known as the „pool,“ which retains the basic function of the existing one but is more focused on the needs of students. The structure includes smaller areas called „bubbles,“ which allow for small group retreats and provide a degree of privacy. These areas are ideal for conversations or small group work.

For larger groups, we also offer bigger „bubbles“ that can be used for collaborative work or outdoor classes. Additionally, the pool is flexible and can serve as a multifunctional space during events. The elevated level of the pool could be used as a stage, while the actual pool area could function as a dance floor, for example.

We place particular emphasis on accessibility: the lowered pool will be made accessible for wheelchair users via a ramp. The concept is complemented by a hovering circular ramp that provides open work areas for students. This ramp is supported by pillars and integrates harmoniously into the overall design to ensure both workspaces and freedom of movement.

Concept 2

After discussing our initial concept as a group, we decided to develop a second design that omits the ramp. This decision was primarily based on accessibility requirements, which would necessitate a much longer ramp than initially depicted in our design. Additionally, the ramp was perceived as overly bulky. The workspaces that were intended to be situated along the ramp are now placed separately on the ground, providing a high degree of privacy and calm through clear boundaries. In this second design, however, the „pool“ area remains accessible, as it is equipped with a ramp for barrier-free access.

5.1 Visualisations

5.1.1 Visualisations Concept 1

5.1.2 Visualisations Concept 2

6. Improvement

Maintenance and Care: A significant issue with the current space is the lack of maintenance. Our design would also require regular upkeep to protect the area from decay, vandalism, and pollution. It remains unclear who would be responsible for cleaning, maintenance, and protection against vandalism. Without a sustainable care plan, the space could quickly fall into disrepair and lose its intended utility.

Material Choice for the Pool: The choice of materials for the pool has not yet been thoroughly considered. Wood would be susceptible to moisture and could wear out quickly in wet conditions, while metal and concrete can be uncomfortable for sitting, especially in colder months. A possible alternative could be tartan or a similar material that is weather-resistant and increases comfort year-round. However, further investigation is needed to find the best solution for functionality and comfort.

Size of the „Bubbles“: The design of the „bubbles“ may also need reconsideration. While larger „bubbles“ provide space for groups, there may be a lack of smaller, cozy seating areas for four to five people. Making the „bubbles“ smaller would allow students to retreat in small groups without feeling they are in too large, impersonal spaces.

Accessibility of the Ramp: Unfortunately, our current design for the ramp does not fully meet accessibility requirements. To comply with the mandated standards, the ramp would need to be approximately 66 meters long to allow for barrier-free access. This dimension has not been adequately addressed in the current design, necessitating a revision to ensure unrestricted accessibility for all user groups.

Acoustic Challenges: Another critical point concerns the acoustics within the „bubbles.“ The current depth of the pool could result in the space not being adequately shielded from noise and disturbances from outside, particularly as the area is located in a busy campus environment. A potential solution could be a lowered design of the pool to achieve natural sound insulation and acoustically separate the bubbles from the surroundings.