The project is the extension of the existing university building designed by EEA and realised in 2000. The plan consists of three new buildings and a design for the landscaped courtyard, which is located between the existing building and the new planned buildings. The extension of the building is planned in three main elements. A low, three level volume is placed parallel to the existing building, creating a connection to the existing building which faces towards the courtyard. This part of the building contains public functions such as semi-commercial, school-related shops, a restaurant and library.
A nine-level “bridge” building rests on the low volume and spans the landscape courtyard, with the underground metro, to the building on the other side of the courtyard where it rests. This building part is used for study areas, classrooms, meeting rooms and offices. The third element is an element that is partly cantilevered from the bridge building above the existing building offering a view towards the harbour.This top element is part of the extension, which will be directly visible from the Posthumalaan, which is where the main entrance of the complex is located. The façades of the building are different per element; they are all composed of glass in combination with prints or aluminium panels.
The lowest volume has a golden print depicting large leaves. The North East façade of the bridge building is comparable to the existing main façade, with its characteristic horizontal lamellas. The South East façade of the bridge has a vertical pattern created from glass and printed glass with aluminium panels behind. This façade is approximately 40% closed for climatic reasons, which is realised through the use of the aluminium panels. The top element also has a vertical rhythm, which is composed of plain gold and vertically printed glass and golden aluminium elements.
design 2004-2005, realisation 2006-2008
