New building in Soest: Topping-out ceremony for a modern center for digital education!

New building in Soest: Topping-out ceremony for a modern center for digital education!

An important event is on the agenda today in Soest, North Rhine-Westphalia: the topping-out ceremony for the new building on Werkstrasse. Mayor Dr. Eckhard Ruthemeyer and Local Government Minister Ina Scharrenbach are among the many guests celebrating this important step for the city. From now on, the new building will house the Soest adult education center, the Soest digital learning and work center (DiLAS) and the headquarters of the Soest municipal utility company.

The new building, which will be two-story, has a usable area of ​​around 5,400 square meters. The goal is clear: a central place for education, encounters and digital innovation. The Soest public utilities, DiLAS and the stadtLABOR are located on the ground floor, while the upper floor houses modern learning rooms for the adult education center. Barrier-free access is also ensured to accommodate all ages and people with different needs.

A place for digital innovations

DiLAS, which has existed since 2023, will act as an incubator for digital innovations. The facility hosts workshops on topics such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing and design thinking. The new building will not only serve as an educational center, but also as a meeting place for the local population and as a platform for creative ideas and solutions.

The sustainable construction is another highlight of the project. The façade made of natural stone clinker, the green courtyard and the geothermal system for heating and cooling are just some of the environmentally friendly features. Large glass surfaces and a striking outside staircase also ensure attractive architecture. The statics are designed in such a way that it is possible to add up to two floors later.

Part of “Regional 2025”

The construction costs of the project amount to around 24.7 million euros, of which 11.2 million euros come from subsidies. This support is part of the Regional 2025 program, which aims to develop sustainable cities. The new building project is also part of the Digital Model Region of South Westphalia, in which new opportunities are to be created to prepare the region for the future.

Completion of the new building is scheduled for spring 2026. Soest will thus open another chapter in its transformation into a modern, networked city. Such projects are groundbreaking when you consider the challenges of urban development: “By 2050, more than half of the population is expected to live in cities,” explains an article on sustainable urban development by Fraunhofer. Sustainable approaches to urban planning are essential to improve the quality of life and not burden future generations.

The fact that cities have grown as complex systems over many years makes sustainable urban development a challenging task, but one that is crucial for the well-being of future generations. Innovative concepts such as the integration of digital twins could also be tried out in Soest. These digital models not only enable better management of urban resources, but also contribute to environmental and social sustainability.

Press service reports that Soest's new building sends a clear message: the city is ready for the challenges of the future and relies on education, digital innovations and sustainability. Soest becomes not only a place to live, but also a place to learn, grow and innovate.