During the winter semester of 2022/23, architecture students examined the existing conditions of a very special site as part of the module “Building Services Engineering II – Energy Concepts”: The site of the Waldoni Circus in Darmstadt-Eberstadt was to be analyzed for its energy potential.
The circus struggles with high energy costs and, during certain seasons, with an uncomfortable indoor climate. This affects both the big top and the circus wagons on the grounds. The assignment involved, on the one hand, optimizing the existing structures and, on the other hand, adding a minimalist building to serve as guest accommodations and a storage facility.
The results of the course—supervised by Prof. Gero Quasten —were presented and discussed on-site on March 31, 2023. As part of a public circus performance titled “baggage” by the artist duo Elabö, the designs and concepts developed at Mainz University of Applied Sciences were also presented to the public. The students were able to explain their approaches to interested visitors and detail the forward-looking techniques and designs, which generated a great deal of interest. The presentation in the circus tent was an extraordinary change of pace for the course participants. Circus Waldoni will now assess whether these ideas can be implemented in practice.
Photos: Gero Quasten
