Study and research more beautifully: How the Campus 2025 is evolving

This is what the refurbished Jesuit refectory will look like. The Institute of Human Movement Sciences, Sport and Health will be researching and teaching there in autumn 2025. Photo: lebidris-Daniel Neubauer

It is a research centre, place of study, workplace and living space all in one. The green, inner-city campus of the University of Graz fulfils numerous requirements. And it is constantly evolving. Currently with striking new buildings and renovations: the Graz Centre of Physics, the House of Educational Sciences and the refurbished Jesuit Refectory. "Sustainability aspects are incorporated into all planning and implementation phases in order to achieve the goal of climate neutrality," emphasises Rector Peter Riedler.

They have characterised the campus for exactly 150 years: the institute buildings for Chemistry at Universitätsplatz 1 and for Physics at Universitätsplatz 5 are celebrating their birthdays in 2025. In the 1870s, the Physics Building was considered to be one of the most advanced of its time: Observation louvres made it possible to direct sunlight for optical experiments. Experiment tables could be mechanically decoupled from the building by insulated columns in the floor. Iron-free laboratories for galvanometric measurements and specially insulated rooms for thermal investigations were set up.

The story continues right next door. Just a few metres away from the historic building, the Graz Center of Physics is one of the most modern research centres in Austria. Following the spectacular demolition of the former pre-clinic, the architecturally impressive complex will begin to rise in the spring.

Construction workers are also at work directly opposite: the former medical institute building for hygiene and forensic medicine is being converted into the House of Educational Sciences. Completion is planned for 2027.

However, the opening is already planned for this year. The Institute of Human Movement Sciences, Sport and Health will take up work in the former, completely renovated Jesuit refectory on Rosenhain from the 2025/26 winter semester. With 50 workstations, a lecture theatre and seminar rooms for almost 300 people as well as event rooms with modern equipment on a total of five floors, the Jesuit Refectory will expand the infrastructure of the University of Graz.

Andreas Schweiger

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