The competition brief comprises the adaptation of the listed Pavilions 24 and W on the Otto Wagner Areal for Central European University. Unused for many years and in need of refurbishment, the pavilions are to provide housing for students of the CEU following its move to Vienna: Pavilion 24 with co-living apartments, micro-units and shared areas for learning, working and spending time; Pavilion W as accommodation for long-term students.
 

The design responds by working precisely with the existing structure. The circulation axes are opened and extended into a central knowledge spine with waiting, printing, group-work and recreation areas; the residential units are inserted between the historic main walls. New plinth and wall elements remain deliberately lower than the existing room height and integrate ventilation, building services, installations and lighting. Historic Mettlach tiles are rearranged and set into terrazzo floors, while the colour and material concept is developed from the motif of the linden tree.