State-of-the-art research building for african studies at the University of Bayreuth

© W. MARKGRAF GmbH & Co KG

Open, flexible creative spaces, modern seminar and meeting rooms and a large conference room with around 200 seats: The first centre for African studies in Germany and one of the world's leading think tanks for African research is being built at the University of Bayreuth.

After the topping-out ceremony, which was extensively celebrated on 07 August 2023 with an official ceremonial speech by the Bavarian State Minister for European Affairs and International Affairs, Melanie Huml (MdL), the project is now running at full speed until its planned completion in December 2024. Our Nuremberg team, consisting of colleagues from project management, engineering and construction management, is supporting the Bayreuth State Building Authority with quality assurance during construction.

The state-of-the-art research building is intended to create space for interdisciplinary cooperation between a wide range of subjects in African studies. Together with the Institute of African Studies (IAS) and its units  - the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence, the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) and the Iwalewahaus – it will raise awareness of the role of the continent.

The University of Bayreuth is also focusing on networking with partner institutions and close cooperation with African colleagues.

In addition, the building is also intended to set an example in terms of ecological sustainability. In addition to the conscious selection of local partners and the associated avoidance of long transport routes for materials and personnel, a large part of the components will be manufactured in the construction company W. Markgraf GmbH & CO KG's own precast concrete plant.