Humboldt-Universit?t is marking an important milestone in the renovation of the listed Department of Rehabilitation Sciences with a traditional topping-out ceremony today. The listed north and west wings are currently being renovated at the Ziegelstra?e 5 site in Berlin-Mitte. The completion of the first construction phase of the north wing was celebrated today.
The ceremony was attended by the Senator for Science, Dr Ina Czyborra, the President of Humboldt-Universit?t, Prof Dr Julia von Blumenthal, Catrin Hedwig, Head of the Technical Division, and Carsten Krafft, Managing Director of the architectural firm Burckhardt Architektur Deutschland GmbH.
Julia von Blumenthal, President of Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin: "Today we are celebrating an important milestone in the construction of a building that is deeply rooted in Berlin's academic history. A barrier-free place for research, teaching and active participation is being created. Such investments in education, science and inclusion are of central importance for the future viability of our city. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of this project with their knowledge, energy and commitment."
Ina Czyborra, Senator for Science: "What is being created in Ziegelstra?e is far more than just structural progress: it is a sign of lived responsibility for science, inclusion and urban society. Rehabilitation science is an indispensable part of an inclusive society. The institute trains specialists who use their great expertise to help people with disabilities and impairments - in education, healthcare and far beyond. The concentration of all chairs in one place will not only result in organisational and functional gains in the future, but will also strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation in the long term. The fact that it has been possible to preserve these identity-forming buildings from the 19th century and at the same time make them fit for the future is a further success - in terms of planning, conservation and politics. The Senate Department for Science, Health and Care has supported this project with great commitment from the very beginning."
Renovation of the listed building with a special history
Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin has taken on the role of client for the 30.4 million euro project and is renovating this listed building with a special history. The building, which was constructed between 1878 and 1883 by the architects Gropius & Schmieden, was the place where effective serums against diphtheria and sterile surgical methods were developed for the first time. It was the workplace of important scientists and physicians such as Emil von Behring, Ernst von Bergmann and Johann Friedrich Dieffenbach.
Completion of the first construction phase is planned for December 2025. The second construction phase is scheduled to begin in February 2026 and be completed in January 2028. The construction project is also seen as an ambitious energy-efficient refurbishment project that combines climate protection and monument conservation. Photovoltaic systems are planned for the north and west wings. By participating in the funding programme of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection, the HU will receive funding and thus make an important contribution to climate protection. The refurbishment of the interior will enable wheelchair users, among others, to use the historic building without thresholds. Different guidance systems will help visually and hearing impaired people to find their way around.
The Department of Rehabilitation Sciences
2,500 students, 13 professors, 80 staff and 30 doctoral students study and work at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. Its interdisciplinary research focuses on improving the social, individual and institutional participation of people with disabilities, impairments and chronic illnesses. This makes the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences a centrepiece of inclusive education at the HU, where educators are trained who specialise in working with mentally, physically, visually and hearing impaired children and adults.