Super C, RWTH Aachen University

Super C – RWTH Aachen University, Germany
Project overview

The Super C is RWTH Aachen University’s central service and student building, completed in 2008. Designed by BOLLES+WILSON, the building’s striking cantilevered form houses administrative offices, lecture halls, study spaces and a café. The transparent facades symbolise the university’s openness and provide panoramic views over the city. However, the floor plates are deep, and glare control is essential for comfortable reading and screen use.

Design challenge

The building’s southern and western facades are exposed to low‑angle sun, causing potential glare and overheating. Because the building is used by students for prolonged periods, visual comfort and daylight quality have a direct impact on productivity. The shading system needed to respond dynamically to the sun’s position, accommodate various orientations and maintain outward views. Automatic control was therefore critical.

RetroSolar strategy

The designers installed interior RETROLux 50 mm blinds mounted in vertical shafts adjacent to the facades
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. These blinds are controlled automatically based on the sun’s altitude and azimuth. The slats are programmed so that when the sun’s incidence angle is below 30°, they remain horizontal, offering uninterrupted views; when the sun climbs higher, the slats adjust to reflect light onto the ceiling. A sun sensor triggers the shading system only when direct sunlight would cause glare. This tailored control ensures that each façade operates according to its orientation and surrounding context.

Building physics and performance

The mirror finish on the upper surface of the slats reflects solar radiation back out, reducing heat gains and preventing occupants from drawing the blinds fully. By preserving a horizontal orientation at low sun angles, the system avoids darkening the room, improving daylight penetration. The automated operation minimises user interaction and ensures optimal performance throughout the day. As a result, artificial lighting can be reduced during daylight hours, and cooling loads are lower due to decreased solar gains.

Architectural outcome and significance

Inside the Super C, the shading system contributes to a bright and comfortable atmosphere conducive to study and social interaction. The integration of RetroSolar blinds respects the building’s iconic glass facades, maintaining transparency and the sense of floating volumes. The project illustrates how a dynamic, façade‑specific control algorithm can harness the benefits of mirror‑optic blinds in educational buildings, supporting occupant wellbeing and sustainability goals.