07.07.2026

Quantum Cube: Architecture for Cutting-Edge Research

Austria’s leading international position in quantum research has once again been impressively confirmed: Quantum physicist Markus Aspelmeyer of the University of Vienna and the Austrian Academy of Sciences has been awarded the 2026 FWF Wittgenstein Prize - the country’s most prestigious scientific award.

The award underscores the importance of long-term basic research and, at the same time, highlights that scientific excellence also requires the appropriate physical infrastructure.

This is exactly where the Quantum Cube comes in. The new building on the University of Vienna campus will be a highly specialized research facility for quantum optics, quantum information, and nanophysics. The laboratory areas are designed to meet the highest standards of precision and minimize disruptive environmental influences. After all, world-class research requires spaces that enable the same level of precision as the experiments themselves.

Delta Pods Architects is responsible for general planning of the project. In collaboration with the specialist planners, they are creating a building that combines architectural clarity, technical precision, and sustainable design.

The following firms are involved in the implementation:

General Planning: Delta Pods Architects ZT GmbH – Project Team: Hubert Ackerl, Ingrid Nunez Yusti, Stefan Makovec, Lukas Graf
Structural Engineering, Building Physics, and Facade Engineering: VATTER & Partner ZT-GmbH
Building Services Engineering: Zentraplan Planungsges.m.b.H.
Electrical Engineering: TB Eipeldauer + Partner GmbH, Alfred Eipeldauer
Laboratory planning: [dP]³ das Planungslabor GmbH

The Quantum Cube is also part of the Campus 2030+ development initiative, which reimagines research, open space, and quality of life in unison. Alongside the new building, new green spaces and communal areas, consumption-free student spaces, and additional unpaved areas are being created. In this way, the project combines scientific infrastructure with the sustainable redevelopment of the historic campus.

We look forward to the imminent start of construction and to working with all project stakeholders to create a space that sets the stage for the research of tomorrow.