Excellent Framework Conditions for African Studies

“The University of Bayreuth is one of the most popular higher education institutions in Bavaria and a flagship among the Free State’s universities. This new building further strengthens the University’s reputation for outstanding research on Africa,” said Minister Bernreiter at the official inauguration of the new “Research Centre for Society, Technology and Ecology in Africa” (FZA). This striking new facility, with its colourful facade, was completed in just two years under the supervision of the State Building Authority of Bayreuth, with W. MARKGRAF GmbH & Co KG acting as general contractor. The construction cost amounted to €39.2 million, of which €11.5 million was funded by the Federal Government and €27.7 million by the Free State of Bavaria.

Covering around 3,000 square metres of usable space, the FZA consolidates the University of Bayreuth’s expertise in African studies and fosters interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration across the many fields involved in African research in Bayreuth. This research has a long-standing tradition at the University: “Since the University’s foundation in 1975, African studies have been a constant in our teaching and research, and have developed into an outstanding and internationally recognised area of expertise with around 45 professorships,” emphasised University President Professor Dr. Stefan Leible in his welcome address.

“One can only congratulate the University of Bayreuth on its far-sighted decision to establish African studies as a research focus as early as 1975. African studies are part of the University’s DNA,” said Dr. Michael Mihatsch, Ministerial Director at the State Ministry for Science and the Arts. “Excellent research requires excellent infrastructure – and that’s exactly what has been achieved with the construction of the FZA.”

The FZA is the University of Bayreuth’s first dedicated research building. It houses the Institute of African Studies (IAS), the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS), and the Excellence Cluster “Africa Multiple”. A gallery space managed by the Iwalewahaus is also available for rotating exhibitions. Designed with an open-concept layout featuring Open Creative Labs, the building also includes interpreter booths. Since media studies are also based in the FZA, it includes a media lab and a recording studio for film productions. Particular emphasis was placed on sustainability in the construction: the FZA is equipped with photovoltaic panels, LED lighting and a green roof. Charging stations for electric vehicles are also located in front of the building.

In a panel discussion, University Chancellor Dr. Nicole Kaiser, Professor Dr. Cyrus Samimi (Scientific Director of the FZA), Uwe Zeuschel (Chief Building Director at the State Building Authority Bayreuth), and Liborius Gräßmann (Managing Director of general contractor MARKGRAF) discussed the importance of the FZA and the challenges involved in the building process. From the start of the funding procedure in 2018, open communication and close coordination among all stakeholders were key to delivering the project on time and within budget. Now, for the first time, Bayreuth’s previously dispersed African studies departments have a dedicated space on campus that enables interdisciplinary research within an innovative architectural framework.

A sculpture unveiled on the opening day symbolises 50 years of the University of Bayreuth – and 50 years of African studies in Bayreuth. Entitled Schutzbaum (“Protective Tree”), the artwork by Ralf Vizethum features a treetop whose elements represent each decade, with golden leaves symbolising the future. The artist used weathered iron pieces from his collection to reflect the vitality and resilience of the tree.

When it comes to African studies, Bayreuth is the place to be, said Professor Dr. Akosua Adomako Ampofo from the University of Ghana. As chair of the advisory board for the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence, she highlighted what makes African studies in Bayreuth unique: “Nowhere else in Germany is there such a comprehensive ability to respond to the growing geopolitical importance of Africa across so many areas of life.” Together with Professor Dr. Gabriele Sommer, spokesperson of the IAS, she looked back on five decades of African studies at Bayreuth – from its beginnings in 1975 to today’s approximately 45 professorships and 100 members within the IAS.

Open Day

Following the official opening, the FZA opened its doors to visitors from the university, the city and the region. Alongside international guests already in town for the upcoming international Cluster Conference, they had the opportunity to explore the building, learn more about the research conducted there, discover the new technical facilities, and engage with the architecture and its integrated artistic features.

Interactive stations offered a varied programme addressing key research themes such as migration, conflict, religious diversity, technology, and ecology in the African context. Guided tours, exhibitions, participatory activities and a book reading were complemented by numerous opportunities for exchange and dialogue – all of which were ideally supported by the open, communicative design of the building.