TU Berlin Discusses the Future of the Mathematics Building
On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the Technical University of Berlin invites you to the “Re:Source Campus” symposium in the Mathematics Building at TU Berlin. The event will focus on the challenges and potential of a resource-efficient transformation of university and research buildings. The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the 9th floor (cafeteria) of the old Mathematics Building, Straße des 17. Juni 136, 10623 Berlin. At the conclusion, participants will discuss their demands with political representatives, including Berlin’s State Secretary for Science and Research, Dr. Henry Marx. An accompanying exhibition will showcase the results of ongoing and completed learning and research initiatives related to the Mathematics Building in the building’s foyer from May 27 to June 4, 2026.
The focus is on the Mathematics Building at TU Berlin, which was constructed in the 1980s modeled after ecological greenhouse architecture and is now in significant need of renovation. Since October 2025, the building has served as a case study for the “Transfor:Mathe” real-world laboratory. The goal of the real-world lab is to conduct exemplary research into the sustainable and resource-efficient transformation of scientific buildings and to develop innovative solutions for managing the existing building stock.
As part of the symposium, discussions will focus on, among other things, strategies for sustainable usage concepts, minimally invasive low-tech measures, the circular use of natural building materials, and new operational and management models for the long-term preservation of existing buildings. In addition, successful approaches to campus development will be presented, and visions and recommendations for the resource-efficient preservation of our built environment within planetary boundaries will be formulated.
Significant Nationwide Backlog of Renovation and Maintenance
The symposium is prompted by the significant nationwide backlog of renovation and maintenance work on university buildings, research infrastructures, and institute buildings. Many of these buildings are not only problematic from an energy efficiency standpoint but are also defining examples of architectural and urban culture. The symposium therefore serves as a platform for transdisciplinary knowledge transfer between research, teaching, practice, and policy.
In addition to addressing current research questions on campus development in German-speaking countries, the event aims in particular to foster networking within TU Berlin as well as with partners in the D-A-CH region. The research questions and collaborations developed during the symposium will form the basis for future research and collaborative projects.
The symposium is organized by the Natural Building Lab at the Technical University of Berlin, headed by Prof. Eike Roswag-Klinge, in collaboration with the Chair of History of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Technical University of Berlin, headed by Prof. Dr. Ursula Quatember, and the Chair of Building Technology and Climate-Friendly Construction at the Technical University of Munich, headed by Prof. Thomas Auer.
Specialized Symposium:
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, starting at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Old Mathematics Building at TU Berlin, 9th floor (cafeteria), Straße des 17. Juni 136, 10623 Berlin
Participation: Open to members of the press
Language: German
Registration: Please send an email to: schlez@tu-berlin.de
Program for the symposium: https://www.nbl.berlin/events/fachsymposium-resource-campus/
Exhibition:
When: May 27 through June 4, 2026
Location: Foyer of the Mathematics Building, Straße des 17. Juni 136, 10623 Berlin
Further information on the Transfor:Mathe Real-World Laboratory and the Natural Building Lab: