The Kühne Logistics University (KLU) is moving to a new location this summer. The building on Großer Grasbrook 17 in Hamburg's HafenCity was formerly occupied by SAP and is currently undergoing extensive conversion work. Of all the new features, the most impressive will be the auditorium in the foyer of the building. The egg-shaped space will be decorated in gold and provide seating for up to 300 people.
The golden egg at the heart of the KLU's new home will be an avant-garde, architectural masterpiece that fits perfectly into the fresh, young fabric of the HafenCity quarter. Named the Audimax, the auditorium will accommodate up to 300 students and will also be used for international congresses and events. Hamburg architects MPP designed the unconventional lecture theater, and construction work is now well underway. Dr. Reimar Palte, provost and managing director of the KLU, is delighted about the project: "The golden auditorium will be visible from outside the building, so it will be a real eye-catcher and I don't think it will be long before it becomes the hallmark of the Kühne Logistics University. The architecture reflects the high academic standards that we have here. We are delighted that our sponsor, Klaus-Michael Kühne, has provided us with this fantastic campus, and are confident that the KLU will become an important hub of academic activity and events for Hamburg's HafenCity."
From its fifth floor, the building offers breathtaking views over the river Elbe, the container terminals, and the docks. "The location in the heart of Hamburg's port creates a strong link to our teaching and research. It means that the topics our students and professors deal with every day are within arm's reach," says Professor Alan McKinnon, dean of programs at the university. Students can also look forward to the building's high-tech seminar rooms, an outstanding library, a gym, a student lounge, and a refectory.
Operations at the new campus will start in September, when the 2013 winter semester begins. The KLU will share the 12,000 m2 site with another private university, Medical School Hamburg. Some 1,100 students will eventually be studying at Hamburg's newest academic location. The opening ceremony for the new building will be held on 13 September 2013, and guests will include politicians, scientists and scholars, and representatives of business and industry.