Over the coming years, the O25 building complex at the main south entrance of Ulm University, with its large lecture halls and the ever-bustling forum, is set to be renovated. To ensure that teaching and research can continue during the restoration, temporary facilities are planned: as a first step, the forum areas in N24 are expected to be refurbished from the end of July 2026 onwards, to serve as a temporary forum. In addition, a temporary lecture hall complex is to be built. The project is being led by Vermögen und Bau Ulm.
Modern study and working conditions for all university members: this is the aim of the first major renovation phase at Ulm University, which will begin at the end of the summer semester 2026 lectures with several preparatory measures. To ensure that teaching and research can continue with as little disruption as possible, the initial plan is to convert existing rooms into temporary teaching spaces and to construct a temporary lecture hall complex. Renovation work on the O25 complex is expected to begin in 2028. The building complex, built in 1972, forms the heart of the university: it houses the main south entrance, large lecture theatres, and event and study spaces. However, the infrastructure no longer meets modern standards and the technology in the lecture halls and seminar rooms is outdated.
The Ulm University will remain accessible and fully operational throughout the renovation. As the university buildings are state-owned, responsibility for the projects lies primarily with Vermögen und Bau Ulm. “We are delighted that the State of Baden-Württemberg is investing in Ulm as a centre of education,” says University President Professor Michael Weber. “This will make us even more attractive to students, who will benefit from state-of-the-art learning environments in the temporary accommodation even whilst the renovation is underway.”
Renovation of the ventilation systems in lecture halls 11 to 16
Work will begin in Building N24. There, the renovation of the ventilation systems in lecture halls 11 to 16 and the subsequent refurbishment and modernisation of the adjacent forum area are planned. The temporary forum being created here is intended to accommodate up to 800 people in future. It is intended to host trade fairs and conferences, as well as university events such as the Long Evening of Science. A central information point is also planned. Furthermore, study areas are to be set up and furnished with modern furniture. The work is scheduled to begin after the end of the lecture term at the end of July 2026. Estimated costs: around three to four million euros.
To ensure that teaching can continue during the refurbishment of O25, the intention is to construct a multifunctional replacement lecture hall centre covering a good 1,000 square metres on the car park east of the University Library West in 2028. The accessible building will offer 400 seats and can be used flexibly for teaching, examinations and events. In addition, existing premises in various buildings across campus are to be upgraded to serve as additional teaching and learning spaces. The replacement lecture theatre centre is expected to cost around 14.4 million euros and is to be completed before the refurbishment of O25 begins. As further building complexes are due to be renovated in the coming decades, it is designed as an interim building with a service life of 25 years, and is to be dismantled after that.
Equipped with modern lecture hall and media technology
As soon as the temporary lecture hall centre is operational, renovation work on O25 is set to begin. The building will then be closed for several years and gutted down to the shell for the renovation. Fire safety and building services will be brought up to the latest standards and the building envelope will be modernised to improve energy efficiency. Improvements to accessibility are also planned. An optimised floor plan will bring together departments previously spread across several locations and allow for more efficient use of space. Further objectives include optimised learning spaces and the installation of modern lecture hall and media technology. The aim is to include the project in the 2027 state budget.
“We are working very closely and in a spirit of trust with Ulm University planning and implementing these projects,” said Dr Diana Marquardt, Head of Vermögen und Bau Ulm. “It is particularly important to us that the construction work is carried out in a sustainable and cost-effective manner, whilst taking into account the future requirements of research and teaching.”
Further information, text and media contact:
Christine Liebhardt, Head of Press and Public Relations, University of Ulm,
Tel. (0731) 50-22121, Email: christine.liebhardt(at)uni-ulm.de