The Inholland University, formerly Ichthus University, is situated in a former industrial harbour area of Rotterdam. The client’s objective was to create a flexible 21st century school that both relates to its surroundings and has a transparent and open appearance.
The new building refers to its harbour context of 19th and early 20th century architecture, in scale as well as typology. As the school desired to keep future options of usage open, the design has a flexible structure that allows floors to be partially rented for commercial use if necessary.
The building maximises the site available, with two accommodation wings enclosing a central atrium space. Public spaces and functions requiring more specific rooms are located on the first three floors, classrooms on the upper six floors. The atrium forms the heart of the building, starting at the first floor and extending to the top, along the south façade.
The building is executed predominantly in glass, both cobalt blue screen-printed and clear, used both to maximise internal flexibility and to optimise the views out over the harbour. This expansive use of glass also creates an open character that clearly expresses the philosophy of the school.
competition 1996, first prize
