Research Facilities
The Baukunstarchiv NRW, which opened at Ostwall 7 in Dortmund in 2018, is not only the venue for exciting architecture exhibitions - it also houses a collection of pre- and posthumous estates from the fields of architecture, civil engineering, urban planning, landscape and interior design and the construction industry. The common denominator is a reference to North Rhine-Westphalia. The chronological focus of the collection lies in the second half of the 20th century, with the oldest documents dating from the late 19th century. With its broad typology and interdisciplinary approach, the Baukunstarchiv NRW covers a broad spectrum of planning and building-related aspects of architectural quality and contemporary historical significance. The Baukunstarchiv thus makes a significant contribution to the preservation and safeguarding of cultural assets.
The Institute of Building Research is the Faculty's central facility for carrying out the chairs' experimental research and development tasks. With its extensive stationary and flexible test facilities and the expert support of its staff, the Institute offers the necessary conditions for the coordinated establishment and implementation of individual test programs in research and development.
The German Institute of Urban Design is an affiliated institute of TU Dortmund University and is dedicated to researching and teaching the art of urban design. This art is understood in two ways: on the one hand, the artistic character of urban development is emphasized, the aesthetic and creative side of the city. On the other hand, it refers to the art of bringing together different aspects such as social, economic, political, ecological, technical and cultural requirements in the design of the city.
The Material Archive combines the sensory experience of materials, which is essential for education, with the possibilities of digital information transfer; it is an extensive collection of material samples specially developed for students and researchers to explore a rich selection of building materials. From innovative modern materials to traditional and sustainable building materials, we offer a wide range of samples that allow you to explore material properties and applications. Our material archive serves as a valuable resource for the design and technical planning of construction projects. It supports you in selecting materials that meet the specific requirements of your designs, taking into account aesthetic, functional and ecological aspects.