Finding student housing in Frankfurt is no easier than in most university towns—demand far outpaces available space. The recently opened student residence at Campus Riedberg has helped ease the shortage, offering 234 modern apartments within walking distance of the university. For the architects, the design challenge was clear: maximize a limited footprint while creating architecture that reflects contemporary urban standards. Berlin-based GBP Architekten rose to the occasion, partnering with developer Cresco Capital Riedberg Campus to shepherd the Marie-Curie-Straße complex from concept through completion. The building's subtle curved form optimizes floor space, yielding a total gross area of 10,130 m². The street-facing façade captivates with its luminous quality, punctuated by varied fenestration that creates an animated, welcoming presence. "Like all our work, our mission at Campus Riedberg was to deliver cutting-edge architecture with economic responsibility," says Nicola Medrow-Bürk, partner at GBP Architekten. "Architecture profoundly shapes how we live—it had to work both functionally and spatially." That meant balancing focused work areas with restorative communal spaces where students can unwind and recharge.

The 234 apartments range from 18 to 33 m² and feature kitchenettes and private bathrooms with contemporary finishes. Select units open onto private outdoor space—either a loggia or roof terrace. The spacious entrance lobby fosters community among residents, providing an inviting hub for students to meet and connect. Common areas include a gaming lounge, seminar rooms, intimate seating zones, collaborative table islands, and ground-floor event spaces, plus a laundry facility and screening room in the basement. Two floors of commercial space house a fitness studio, ensuring students can maintain their wellness routine right on campus.

www.gbp-architekten.de

Photography Credits:

Wolfgang Stahl
www.wolfgangstahl.com

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 04|21)