Former marine research institute is high-tech gym

Opening of the new University Sports Centre HAW Hamburg
Dr. Catherine Jeorgakopulos Press and Communication
University of Applied Sciences Hamburg
27.09.2006 14:03
The 27th September 2006 is a special day for the University of Applied
Sciences (HAW Hamburg) and the University Sports Hamburg (HSP
Hamburg): On campus, Berliner Tor open Science Senator Jörg Dräger,
Chairman of the HAW Hamburg, Prof. Dr. Michael Stawicki and Managing
Director of the HSP Hamburg, Thomas Beyer, the new university sports
center with 60 high-tech fitness equipment and top sports courses.

Students and staff will find the very best sport in the future
conditions for a moving campus and fit the way through their studies.
In the historic buildings of the former shipbuilding research
institute created while retaining the architectural features of this
nearly century-old laboratory facility on 750 sqm land-art fitness
studio, a high school sports office and restrooms and locker rooms. In
short: Best fitness for smart people!
"The university as a public building owner has proven with the
University Sports Hamburg in this original and unique interior design
a lot of courage and commitment. The nearly century-old building, an
early work of city building director, Fritz Schumacher, received with
the requirements of a modern fitness studio optimal synthesis, in its
particularity stands unique in Germany, "said President of the HAW
Hamburg, Prof. Dr. Michael Stawicki.
This idea was born of the gyms in historical garb, about four years
ago. The construction period lasted only seven months. The old and for
almost 40 years disused shipbuilding research institute from the 30s
bribed it with an attractive feature: In the building there was an
approximately 40 m long and 3 m deep water basin, called the towing
tank, in which up to its closure end of the 60s years ship models were
tested for their flow properties. It is precisely this "giant tub"
Concrete inspired the planning of the architects. Their task was to
preserve the heritage-worthy interior of the building including
"towing tank" and to create as much space on the campus sports
Berliner Tor. It was financed with funds from the HAW Hamburg,
Hamburg, and the HSP of the Hamburg Ministry of Science and Research
(BWF).
The result of the sports facility is impressive not only visually but
also financially: For contrary to the elegant-looking and
expensive-looking installation of new facilities, the construction
costs low. This is particularly true when considering the use of
expectations of the university sports: after only two semesters to
train here until a week to 1,000 active athletes. "This innovative
sports venue is a sensation to make," said Thomas Beyer, Managing
Director of the HSP, "because with it disappears one white spot on the
map of the high school sport in Hamburg. So far, the HAW was rather
fed neglected. Now there is a rapid development of these motivating
site be. Even during the planning phase, many other universities in
Germany are interested in our concept. Here is an example shown us how
to turn fallow land great addition to sports facilities for the
student makes. " Already this semester classes start running to the
nearby Alster, the sails of the university's sports bar is a few
minutes by bike away in the opposite Alsterschwimmhalle begins the
swim club for € 14, - monthly fee. In the close vicinity of the campus
gate of the Berlin University Sports has been offering classes for
ballroom dancing, gymnastics and ball games.
Detailed proposals for the revitalization and ideas of a future
design of the campus facility Berliner Tor provides an afternoon
designed by four city planners of the HafenCity University town
planning vision with the title "Campus St. George," which will be seen
as an exhibition at the Berliner Tor 5 continues. The declared aim of
the planners: the St. George district through sports and student life
to develop. The new sports center is a first step on this path.
Goes "With the new sports center is about more than just a matter of
creating a university-level fitness and leisure facilities, the
establishment of the Sports Centre is another step towards a real
campus structure of the HAW and they offer a bit more identification:
Science Senator Jörg Dräger. . At the same time with the university
HAW doing so something for the health promotion of their students and
employees - because of 'knowledge workers' movement is very important.
"