The KIT Materials Library houses an extensive collection of material samples, the haptic experience and critical assessment of which we consider to be of particular importance for the training of architects. It offers the opportunity to learn about both established, well-known and new, innovative materials and technologies.

The extensive physical collection of material samples - and in the future also associated digital data sets - not only serves to deepen and illustrate material science at the faculty, but also provides students with valuable assistance for working on exercises and in the design process. The material samples can be borrowed and used by students as part of project developments and presentations.

Research focus of the KIT Materials Library

In the KIT Materials Library, a special focus is placed on building materials that are either locally available or locally produced, that can be composted in the biological cycle or recycled in the technical cycle without loss of quality, or that consist of secondary, reused or recycled raw materials from the anthropogenic stock. These thematic focuses on important issues of the 21st century make the KIT Materials Library an international point of contact for targeted research and teaching.

The Materials Library is intended to act as a vessel for the preservation and transfer of knowledge about innovative building materials for the present and the future, in order to educate the new generation of visionary and interested young people who are able to think transdisciplinary and scientifically and act sustainably.

The MDH materials database

As part of the "Material Library of German Universities MDH" cooperation, the digital component of the material library, the material database, was developed. This database is set up, filled and maintained in cooperation with the other universities.

Here you will find detailed information on
- technical properties,
- origin and production,
- environmental impact and sustainability,
- as well as many other material-relevant aspects.

To the material database

Use of the KIT Materials Library at the Faculty of Architecture

Changing exhibitions in the KIT Materials Library provide information on specific topics, such as natural insulating materials, local types of wood or recyclable materials. Student work from the subject of materials science (Bachelor) and from materials-specific research seminars (Master) is firmly integrated into the materials library, both digitally and physically. The students themselves are thus activelyinvolved in the expansion of the materials library.

The premises of the KIT Materials Library can be used for seminars, workshops and lectures. There are also three open workstations for students in the library gallery, which can be used for further research.

As a central facility of the KIT Faculty of Architecture, the KIT Material Library helps our students to critically and intensively deal with the goals and challenges of the present and future of the building industry.

We look forward to your visit!

Opening hours

Monday to Friday
09.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 17.00