Rural Satellites
Rosanna + Just, German, Studio Junktion
Alexandr + Minkin, German, Studio Junktion
Traditionally universities are located in an urban context. Rising rent prices and continually increasing demand for housing in larger cities all over the world make it more and more difficult for students to find accommodation.
At the same time rural areas struggle with depopulation and vacancy, because they cannot offer the same infrastructure as cities do – including facilities of higher education.
Advances in modern technology now make it possible to study at centrally located universities, while enjoying the pleasures of living in a natural environment.
This project shows an exemplary scheme for the greater area of Brandenburg, where students could cheaply live, while attending university programs based in central Berlin. The scheme however is designed to be applicable to any rural area around a central university city.
Only a minimal modification is necessary: A tube added to the home makes drone deliveries effortless. The first drop contains a home kit for lectures and research. Afterwards books ordered online from the library can be sent via airway straight to the student’s home. Autonomous vehicles meanwhile provide mobile laboratories, supply shops, and study rooms for the students to physically meet and exchange knowledge, adding a vital part of the university experience.