Choice of architect first step in new science campus
Leiden University has chosen an architect to help it realise its new science campus. A team consisting of Inbo from Rotterdam and JHK Architects has won the European tender for Phase 1 of the new building for the Faculty of Science.
Leiden University has chosen an architect to help it realise its new science campus. A team consisting of Inbo from Rotterdam and JHK Architects has won the European tender for Phase 1 of the new building for the Faculty of Science.
Three phases
The ideas of architects Ad van Aert (JHK) and Hans Toornstra (Inbo) reflect the high ambitions of the oldest university in the Netherlands. The project will be built in three phases and result in a total of 99,000m² of space. Phase 1 consists of the construction of a new building of 39,000m² in the Leiden Bio Science Park. The completion of the first phase with the handover of the finished building is planned for 2015.
Artist´s impression of the interior with the 'ribs'
A single building
The Faculty of Science (Wiskunde en Natuurwetenschappen) is a partnership of the departments of physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, biopharmacy, informatics, environmental sciences, and astronomy. In future, the faculty aims to be housed in a single building, where the interaction between research and teaching, as well as the co-operation among research departments, is to have a leading role. The new building will contain rooms to be used as lecture halls, laboratories, and other teaching and research spaces; it will also contain functional areas for the staff and general services.
Saucer to remain in place
The centre of the new faculty building will be a wide, open space over the full height of the building, which will be the ‘backbone’ of the building. At right angles to the backbone five 'ribs' are planned on either side. The central space will connect the departments within the faculty, and will provide ample space for people to meet and exchange ideas. The new science building has been designed as an architectural unity that merges well with its urban context. The existing striking ’saucer’, which houses the lecture rooms, will be linked to the new building, but not integrated with it.
Nieuwsredactie – 19/01/2010