In the Digital Innovation Space (DIS), located directly in the heart of the Campus of Aalen University of Applied Sciences, the university will move into four floors. In the new premises, the topics of digitalization, artificial intelligence and audiovisual items in particular will take up more space. "We are immensely pleased about the lease," explains President Prof. Dr. Harald Riegel enthusiastically and adds: "This ultra-modern building offers us completely new opportunities in teaching, research and science communication."
On the Waldcampus, right in the heart of the institution of higher education, Aalen University of Applied Sciences is moving into four floors of the ultra-modern Digital Innovation Space (DIS). The far-sighted, forward-looking new building, realized by JG Campus Kommanditgesellschaft, is an impressive six-storey circular building. An artistic highlight awaits visitors directly in the entrance area: "Stellar Interloper", a sculpture by the internationally highly-respected, prestigious, well-known artist Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle. The double-curved, futuristic shape is reminiscent of fluid mechanics and symbolizes innovation, dynamism and networking.
University location with charisma
The Amt für Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg in Schwäbisch Gmünd has rented over 4,000 square meters in the new building for the institution of higher education in Aalen. In addition to the degree programs User Experience, Information Design, Human-Centered Design and Computer Science in Media, the new premises will also be home to researchers from the field (of) Artificial Intelligence. "At DIS, we are pooling our strengths at the interface of digitalization, media and artificial intelligence," explains President Prof. Dr. Harald Riegel on the use of the building. In addition, the close exchange between teaching and research in the media sector as well as Computer science | Artificial intelligence opens up completely new potential.
Europe-wide unique technology
A digital dome theater in the basement of the DIS also contributes to this. An immersive dome with 210-degree projection and 3D audio has been installed there - a space that is unique in Europe and which Aalen University of Applied Sciences will use proportionally. Right next to it, the Media Center ideally combines production, teaching and research in the field (of) audiovisual items and virtual spaces. Immersive image and sound worlds are to be developed here in the future. Technologies such as interactive 360-degree streaming or virtual reality open up new ways of science communication. The exhibition space on the second floor also allows interested parties from the city, the region and beyond to experience "hands-on AI". Children, young people and adults can explore how artificial intelligence works with exhibits from explorhino and the AI experience of the KI-Werkstatt Mittelstand, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the state of Baden-Württemberg, the city of Aalen and the Ostalbkreis district. Nowhere is the bridge between academic education and STEM funding in the region more impressive than at DIS. "Digitalization is given an architectural shell and a home at DIS, so to speak," President Riegel continues.
Campus as a lively place for networking
The DIS is more than just a building - it is a link between the existing university locations. New synergies are created in the immediate vicinity with the WIN building, which is home to the Faculty of Business and Health as well as the International Center. Thanks to the short distances to student housing, the "Marie Curie" Daycare center and the Burren and Beethovenstraße campus areas, Aalen University of Applied Sciences is growing into an even more dynamic university location. With the move into the DIS, the institution of higher education was able to give up its more distant leases. "What belongs together is now finally growing together on the Waldcampus," explains Riegel, who is pleased to be able to accommodate the departments and institutions that were previously located far away from the Campus on the Waldcampus. "In this way, we are promoting exchange, shortening distances and improving cooperation, cooperative venture partnership collaboration at all levels."
Networking is also a key topic at DIS: With other tenants such as explorhino, IHK Ostwürttemberg, Graduate Campus and Matworks GmbH, an innovative network is being created that will sustainably strengthen the education, research and innovation landscape in East Württemberg. The exchange with companies in the region - such as the Zeiss Group, which will use space at DIS - will also be simplified. "We are extremely grateful for the lease at DIS," President Riegel concludes, "DIS is the nucleus for new ideas, AI for everyone to touch and science communication at eye level. The results we achieve here and the qualified professionals we train here will help to further advance our region."
Enthusiasm at the inauguration
At the ceremonial inauguration of the DIS, numerous guests paid tribute to the innovative strength of Aalen University of Applied Sciences. Ministerial Director Dr. Hans J. Reiter from the Ministry of Science, Research and the Arts was impressed by the possibilities of the new building. Andreas Pecher, chairperson of the (managing) board of the Zeiss Group and chairman of the University Board, also emphasized the importance for the University: "The DIS is a courageous and ambitious project. Because only ambition leads to the future."
