Educational Architecture, University•The Netherlands

• Architects: KAAN Architecten
• Area: 12246 m²
• Year: 2024

• Photographs: Sebastian van Damme, Marcel Ijzerman

• Landscape Designer: Felixx Landscape Architects & Planners
• Main Contractor: Aannemingsmaatschappij Hegeman, Nijverdal; De Groot Installatiegroep
• Infrastructure: WMR

• Project Team: Koen Bosman, Javier Cuartero, Sebastian van Damme, Luuk Dietz, Raluca Firicel, Lisa Goes, Narine Gyulkhasyan, Aleksandar Hrib, Wouter Langeveld, Guilherme Miranda, Hana Mohar, Theodossis Montarnier, Alexis Oh

• Client: University of Groningen (RUG)

• Construction Advisor: ABT Wassenaar

• Management: KAAN Architecten + University of Groningen

• Contract Management: ZRi

• Financial Advisor: B3 Bouwadviseurs

KAAN Architecten has unveiled the Education Centre University of Groningen, an innovative hub and learning environment. Spanning 12,000 m², this building acts as the focal point and primary entryway for the Healthy Ageing Campus, designed to facilitate education, enhance health, and encourage social interaction. The architecture reflects these values, creating a space that prioritizes user well-being.

 

Situated near Groningen, which has over 60,000 students, the Education Centre is strategically placed next to the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). This facility is part of a larger initiative to connect students and researchers from the Medical Sciences Faculty. The design by KAAN Architecten aims to reconnect the campus with Groningen’s historical center, enhancing accessibility and creating a recognizable landmark. The building integrates garden spaces and high-quality public areas, linking various UMCG facilities and enriching the campus’s northern entrance.

The design emphasizes a health-promoting environment, focusing on comfort, natural light, and ventilation to enhance physical, mental, and social well-being. The Centre encourages student engagement beyond academic activities, providing diverse areas for collaboration, study, and relaxation. The layout includes open workstations and private spaces, fostering knowledge exchange among students and faculty.

The architectural design consists of five interconnected volumes that enhance accessibility and interaction throughout the building. The transparent facade of the horizontal foyer opens toward the public square, while the patios introduce natural light into the lower levels. The building features seminar halls, a food court, lecture rooms, and a learning tower with classrooms and labs. To encourage physical activity, elevators only service odd-numbered floors, prompting users to use the stairs.

 

The design is adaptable, allowing for future spatial modifications. Two lecture halls feature flexible seating arrangements, and the tower’s grid supports various layouts. The building utilizes sustainable materials with minimal environmental impact, including locally sourced bricks and oak for doors and frames. The combination of brick and exposed concrete creates a robust yet welcoming atmosphere, while the teaching spaces are finished in wood for a natural feel.

“The Anda Kerkhoven Education Centre will revitalize this area of the campus, fostering connections among buildings and creating vibrant public spaces,” concludes Vincent Panhuysen, founding partner of KAAN Architecten.

Arch Daily Source: https://www.archdaily.com/1028457/education-centre-university-of-groningen-kaan-architecten Broadcasting Architecture Worldwide: Architecture news, competitions and projects updated every hour for the architecture professional