The University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE), one of Germany’s most prestigious private universities, is set to open its first campus in Dubai in Autumn 2023. The design of the 1,372 sq m campus, by Swiss Bureau Interior Design and Build (SBID), blends German Bauhaus design with Middle Eastern culture, creating a space that prioritises practicality, wellness, and comfort for students and faculty.
Located at One Central, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the UE Dubai campus is the first university to be situated in this prime location. The design aims to portray a captivating representation of a harmonious collaboration in space, incorporating geometric forms and subtle influences while reflecting practicality and connectivity.
Vibrant primary colours of blue, red, and yellow infuse the campus with lively energy. The campus layout facilitates smooth navigation between various areas, ensuring a balance between enclosed spaces, such as classrooms and admin offices, and more collaborative areas, including a library and student café.
The entrances were designed to foster a warm and spirited ambience. Showcasing a creative blend of materials, the fusion of concrete breeze blocks with vibrant acrylics cultivates a unique and hospitable environment that inspires and connects students and visitors. Distinct collaboration areas fashioned from unconventional elements like hollow blocks and polycarbonate sheets add an anomalous touch that sets UE Dubai apart from traditional university interiors.
Flexibility and functionality
The design of the campus puts flexibility and functionality at the forefront, featuring an array of adaptable spaces catering to the diverse needs of future generations. Among such areas include an auditorium, where transformable feature walls seamlessly reconfigure the space to efficiently serve as a classroom. The library at UE represents a contemporary take on the classical German library style, doubling up as a pop-up space for small events and sessions whilst providing an inviting atmosphere motivating students to dedicate time to their studies.
Moreover, the integration of biophilic elements in materials and forms, with greenery thoughtfully spread across the campus, guarantees a comfortable surrounding that underscores the importance of mental health and well-being for both students and faculty members.
Roy Lavian, Head of Real Estate of UE Dubai Campus, said the design embodies the spirit of Bauhaus philosophy, which sought to revolutionise architectural principles and transform spaces with a seamless integration of craftsmanship, technology, art, and industry.
Pooja Premkumar, Senior Interior Designer of Swiss Bureau Interior Design and Build, added that their vision for UE Dubai aims to build walls that whisper stories of knowledge while creating spaces that hum with the energy of connection.
With a capacity to accommodate and support up to 1,300 students, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences will provide three Master’s programmes when it first opens, including Data Science and Software Engineering, as well as the UAE’s first Master of Arts in Visual and Experience Design.