Gerhart-Potthoff-Bau

The Gerhart-Potthoff-Bau is a university building in Dresden featuring sandstone facades in the style of socialist classicism. The structure houses lecture halls, study spaces, and the Bio-Mensa U-Boot cafeteria serving the Faculty of Transportation Sciences at Technical University Dresden.

Construction began in April 1951 with the foundation stone ceremony attended by high-ranking political figures. The building emerged during a period when such structures reflected the architectural vision of a new social order.

The building displays artworks by local artists, including a fresco by Alfred Hesse and Erich Gerlach that commemorates a significant historical visit. These works create a visual connection between the space and the people who use it daily.

The building is easily located at Hettnerstraße in the Südvorstadt district and serves as a landmark when exploring the university campus. Visitors should note this is an active university site, so some areas may have restricted access during class hours.

The auditorium POT 81 in this building was the largest university lecture hall from 1992 to 1998. When the new auditorium center opened, this space lost that distinction but retained its historical character.