Science comes to the citizens

The idea for the Smart House Oldenburg was born when Oldenburg was "City of Science 2009". After two years of construction, the House of Science was inaugurated in the city centre. The theme of 'climate and energy' is the focus of the events.

"Bringing science into the heart of Oldenburg and entering into an even stronger dialogue with the citizens of the city and region - that is our common goal. We have laid the foundation for this with the 'Smart House Oldenburg'," explained University President Prof Dr Babette Simon at today's opening of the Science House on Oldenburg's Schlossplatz. The idea was born in 2009, when the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft awarded Oldenburg the title of "City of Science". For one year, the citizens experienced "hands-on science". "The interest was overwhelming. We want to build on this directly with the 'Smart House'. Science is not an end in itself, but must be accessible to everyone. By communicating science in an understandable way, we are fulfilling our social educational mission," emphasised Dr habil. Elmar Schreiber, President of Jade University.

"With over 670 square metres of floor space and state-of-the-art conference rooms and media technology, we have created the ideal conditions for presenting and discussing the latest research findings," says Dr Petra Buchholz, Managing Director of The Smart House Oldenburg GmbH.

In the first year, the focus will be on 'Climate and Energy'. In future, two exhibition areas will offer interested parties - children, young people and adults - hands-on science. In addition, the two universities regularly organise lectures and workshops on current research topics. The Smart House thus creates a platform for science and communication. The programme until the end of the year has already been finalised and can be found online.

Construction work on The Smart House Oldenburg took just under two years: a listed town house - one of the oldest houses in Oldenburg - was renovated using innovative and sustainable technologies. A light-flooded new building with a glass front on the Schlosswall complements the historic old building. The Schlaue Haus thus combines elements of new and old architecture. State-of-the-art building technologies such as photovoltaic modules - installed on the roof and façade - make the science centre fit for the future. Visitors will notice the light gap that runs through the entire building from the floor to the roof. It provides daylight even in places where darkness would normally prevail. The chimney-like shape of the light gap also serves to optimise the natural ventilation of the entire building. Other "smart technology": energy monitors that show current and periodic consumption and yield figures, and presence sensors that control the lighting and ventilation.

A "Smart Mile" was organised on the Schlossplatz to celebrate the opening of the Smart House. Scientific working groups and institutions presented their work. Guided tours through the Science House, short lectures and a stage programme for young and old were also on the programme.

The Smart House Oldenburg gGmbH is organised by the University of Oldenburg and the Jade University of Applied Sciences. The centre was made possible thanks to the support of the state of Lower Saxony and the regional economy: EWE AG, Bremer Landesbank, Landessparkasse zu Oldenburg, Öffentliche Versicherung Oldenburg and Oldenburgische Landesbank were all involved.