The Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Philosophy, Theology and Religious Studies will move. The most sustainable building on campus will be located on the site of the current Spinoza building: maximally circular and energy-positive.
As it now appears, this project will have to be postponed for at least a year. The Executive Board expects to be able to provide more clarity about potential adjustments to the campus plan in the first half of 2025.
The goal for the construction is to optimally reuse the current Spinoza building. The foundations and the shell of the high-rise will be retained, but otherwise the building will be completely renovated. In line with the ambition for a climate-neutral campus, it will be an energy-positive building. What the building will ultimately look like is not yet known. However, the aim is the best building for good education and research, fitting within the framework of the campus plan. A building where staff and students like to come to work (together) and to meet each other. The work and study environment inspires and connects. Where on the one hand meeting and cooperation are central, on the other hand there is enough space for quiet and concentrated work. An environment where everyone feels welcome and enjoys staying.
The construction project has several phases and activities.. Each phase involves specific activities.
The definition phase determines what the future accommodation must meet. This is laid down in a complete and concrete set of requirements: the Programme of Requirements (PvE).
The PvE describes the ambitions and quality requirements for the accommodation and its future use, and its translation into a building concept, spaces and requirements. The starting point is an energy-positive and maximally circular building. It also includes various spatial and functional requirements for, for instance, educational, research and catering facilities. The PvE describes the details of the accommodation concept, but does not specify the work(place) concept.
Work(place) concept for faculties
The advisor of both faculties is working with the users on the translation of the accommodation concept (PvE) into a work(place) concept. In close cooperation with the users, this advisor will translate the wishes for the working environment into a work(place) concept for an efficient, good and attractive working environment.
In the follow-up phases, the work(place) concept will be integrated into the designs for the accommodation concept in cooperation with the design team.
During the definition phase, the design team will also be selected. The European tender has been completed and the design team contracted in summer 2023.
In the design phase, the requirements and specifications of the Programme of Requirements (PvE) are further elaborated and translated into concrete designs, plans and documentation. The work(place) concept will also be further fleshed out and developed in this phase, as it is an important part of the design.
The design team will start with a sketch design after summer 2023. All rough concepts and ideas are put on paper to establish the general direction of the project.
The Preliminary Design (VO) is the next step after the sketch design, where the initial ideas are further developed. The VO is a more detailed drawing or plan that incorporates feedback and suggestions from the users and client. The VO includes floor plans, layouts, facades, sections, situation drawings and other relevant details. It provides a more detailed visualisation of the final result.
The Final Design will elaborate how the Preliminary Design can be realised from a constructional and installation perspective.
Once the Final Design is established, preparations for realisation of the housing will start.
An important step in this phase is applying for the necessary permits. This includes submitting the required documentation and complying with regulations to obtain permission for construction activities.
At the same time, construction is put out to tender. Construction parties are invited to submit bids to carry out this project. The project team carefully evaluates the offers and makes a selection based on various criteria. Finally, the best proposal is chosen and the contracts with the construction team are signed, officially ratifying the cooperation.
Preparations for actual construction also start in this phase. This includes planning the required materials, drawing up a detailed construction schedule and coordinating logistics on and to the construction site.
The aim is to ensure that everything is ready and can run smoothly once construction actually starts.
The realisation phase aims to realise the most sustainable building on campus. The plans and designs identified in earlier phases will now be implemented.
Construction will span about two years.
Once the building is completed the interior design people can get to work. The furniture, upholstery and other fittings will be installed in the building during this phase and then the faculties can move into the 'new' building.
