Berlin's TU shuts main building over severe fire safety failures
Berlin’s Technical University (TU Berlin) has shut its main building due to serious structural problems. The closure follows the discovery of fire safety flaws, including faulty doors and emergency systems. Officials now face a €2.4 billion bill to fix the wider campus. President Fatma Deniz highlighted critical issues in the basement, such as broken fire doors and failures in emergency lighting and water supply. These defects forced the immediate closure of the building for safety reasons.
A task force has been set up to tackle the crisis. It includes TU Berlin staff, local district representatives, and Senate departments for science and construction. Their goal is to resolve the problems and reopen the building as soon as possible.
In the meantime, the university is exploring temporary solutions. Options include setting up tents for students and seeking external sponsors to help cover costs. Berlin’s urban development senator, Christian Gaebler (SPD), criticised TU Berlin for delaying essential repairs. He argued that partial renovations could have prevented the current emergency.
Gaebler also announced some relief on the horizon. A new TU research facility will open in early June, offering temporary space for displaced students and staff. The total cost of renovating TU Berlin’s buildings is estimated at €2.4 billion. While the new research facility may ease pressure, the university must address long-term maintenance failures. The task force continues working to reopen the main building and secure safe conditions for students and staff.
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