Framework Plan Medical University of Lusatia – Carl Thiem, Cottbus

On 1st July 2024, the Medical University Lusatia – Carl Thiem (MUL CT) was founded as a university hospital, thus representing a decisive impulse for structural change in the region. The university will particularly set significant impulses in health system research and digitalisation of healthcare. As a result, it will have a substantial impact on both the Lusatia region and rural areas of Germany.

The development of the MUL CT is closely linked with an urban transformation. This transformation is comparable to the significance of the new DB railway maintenance facility for Ströbitz or the Cottbusser Ostsee for Sandow and neighbouring communities. Similarly, the new university will have a profound effect on the Spremberger Vorstadt. Between March 2023 and April 2024, the urban framework plan for the campus was developed, establishing planning objectives at urban, open space, functional and transport levels.

Design Goal and Planning Approach

The urban framework plan pursues an integrative approach that considers all requirements of a modern medical campus. Primarily, the development focuses on areas south of the existing hospital and north of Welzower Straße. Meanwhile, generous reserve areas to the west of the hospital are kept free for future expansions, thereby ensuring long-term flexibility.

Urban Structure and Main Axes

The design concept envisages a “Green Centre” as a central space. This space serves as an identity-forming element of the campus while creating connections between different areas. Forming the backbone of the campus is an “H”-shaped main path system that connects three large development fields north of Welzower Straße. Additionally, a continuous promenade in an east-west direction links the campus with the park east of Welzower Straße. Furthermore, a path connection in north-south direction to the new entrance plaza at Welzower Straße/Thiemstraße is being developed to improve campus accessibility.

Open Space Concept

The open space concept comprises four essential axes. Firstly, a lively central promenade serves as an interface between MUL CT and the existing hospital. Secondly, the knowledge meadow provides a green retreat. Finally, two axes in north-south direction link old and new campus uses. In the southeast, the new entrance (Welzower Straße/Thiemstraße) represents a prestigious gateway to the campus, complemented by existing entrances in the north. At the heart of the campus, the “Green Centre” functions as a central meeting point, recreational space and event area. Within the hospital area, quiet green courtyards offer a retreat and frame buildings with nature. This spatial typology continues in the southern part of the campus.

In the open space, the sustainable drainage concept is a visible element. Thus, based on the principle of the sponge city, it promotes a cascade of retention, infiltration and evaporation. Moreover, the spatial connection to the Sachsendorf Meadows landscape conservation area complements local open space and recreational offerings.

Overall, the design for the MUL CT campus combines functional requirements with high-quality urban and open space design. Consequently, it creates an attractive living space that harmoniously integrates into the urban fabric. Most importantly, it meets the needs of both medical teaching and research, as well as the general public.