Henri Ohlmann has experienced a lot in his 22 years at the University of Bremen. In the almost eight years he has been head of administration of the Faculty of Law, he has already overseen (partial) faculty relocations six times, so he has a lot of experience with this. “But the relocation to the city center is certainly of a different magnitude and unlike the previous moves,” he says of the past few months. Due to his position, he was often the first point of contact for questions or problems, and this was quite challenging. “The amount of items needing to be coordinated with such a move is enormous. This has led to a bit of overtime work, and having to postpone some tasks for later.”

He is looking forward to the faculty’s new location in the city. The new building and the proximity to the courts undoubtedly bring many new possibilities. “Of course we are a little sad to be leaving the campus. However, despite the uncertainty, I am looking forward to the relocation,” he states after 22 years in Horn-Lehe. Having all the rooms, including the legal library and the dining hall, close together again is a big step forward, particularly for the students.

Work at Domshof, Shop at the Weekly Market

For Professor Pia Lange, on the other hand, the commute time is the same to the city center as it was to the main campus. “I live by the ‘Stern’ roundabout, so the distance is about the same either way.” She already knows that she will have an office with a view of the cathedral courtyard. She is looking forward to the lively new location. She and Dean Gralf-Peter Calliess recently had coffee at Domshof and observed the hustle and bustle. “I enjoyed that, and I also like the fact that I can shop at the weekly market on my way home. As an academic and mother of a small child, time is a scarce commodity.”

The extra bicycle garage for employees and students in the basement of Forum at Domshof building also suits her well. “I have a cargo bike and the bike racks in the city center are often occupied. Good thing there is a separate place here.” She has already packed her things and cleared out her old office. “I have only been working at the University of Bremen since April 2022, so not much has accumulated there yet.” She is working from home with her laptop for the remaining days until the move.

Four Square Meters Less Space: Time to De-clutter

Antje Kautz, on the other hand, has collected a lot over the years. The administrative employee has been working at the university for 27 years now – 15 of them for Faculty 6. She is more or less a specialist for everything, because her many years of work have led to an extensive wealth of knowledge and experience, which she currently uses in the organization of the Centre of European Law and Politics (ZERP) and two working groups.

During her 27 years at the university, much has accumulated, evidenced by the very full shelves in her office. Now the 55-year-old has to seriously de-clutter, because her future office in the Forum at Domshof will be four square meters smaller. “So far, I’ve only seen my room on plans, and not yet in real life. I am very curious how it will be,” she says. She is very much looking forward to her new broad view of the cathedral courtyard.

However, she does have one reservation. The State and University Library and the Central Examination Office are important for her work, and “quickly grabbing something” will mean traveling from the city center to campus and back.

Groningen Exemplifies the Vibrancy of Downtown University Locations

Tahsin Bensol is not only a doctoral student in Professor Christoph Schmid’s working group, but also a representative of the more than 30 research assistants on the Faculty Council. He therefore has a good idea of how researchers view the upcoming move to the city. “Predominantly positive. And for me personally, very positive!”

He lists the advantages of the city center location: The building is more aesthetic, modern, and central. It is close to all courts and many law firms, but also within walking distance of institutions such as the Parliament House or the Chamber of Commerce. “I spent a year abroad at the University of Groningen, which is located downtown. I saw the many benefits this has. Both the university and the city center are very lively and benefit from each other.”

Three researchers will share two rooms in the working group in the future, which is not a problem due to their differing work hours and ability to work from home. Tahsin Bensol, who lives in the west of Bremen, will have a very nice commute to work. “I can drive along the Weser up until the very end, when I turn towards Domshof.” The “hassle” of going by Bremen central station will soon no longer be necessary – certainly all Faculty 6 members traveling from the west are looking forward to this convenience.