Student Dining Hall of the Ruhr University - Bochum (West Germany)

Abstract

A series of very thorough studies were undertaken to determine the following data in relation to this project: kind and volume of service, supply and participation, organization and economic feasibility, and location, resulting in the decision to establish a single central «Mensa» of great capacity rather than various small halls spread throughout the campus of the university. This large nucleus was subdivided into an open «mensa» and a restaurant: the first with a capacity of 10,000 lunches served in five shifts of 2,000 persons each, the second with capacity of 2,500 portions, in four shifts, 625 people at a time. This building is laid out in various levels, which house the following: «mensa», restaurant, cafeteria, lounges, access halls, administration, bank, checkrooms, rest rooms, kitchens, wash rooms, staff dressing and rest rooms, supermarkets, special rooms for storage, pantry, refrigeration, and preparation, athletic facilities of all kinds, playing fields, tennis courts, and parking lots. The material of construction is reinforced concrete, made in situ or by prefabricated parts. Taken from the module of the University, 1,50x7,50 m, it was decided to use instead 7,50x15,00 m, because of the need for larger premises. The clear heights vary between 3 and 7 m, creating the numerous differences of elevation characteristic of this work.