Construction works on the extension of InHolland University Rotterdam designed by Erick van Egeraat have reached their highest point. After three weeks of around-the-clock works, the structural core has reached its ultimate height of more than 62 meters.
Erick van Egeraat based the design of the extension on his original building, realized in 2000. Three rectangular volumes, shifted and varying in size, are stacked on top of each other. The topmost volume is elevated above the existing building, offering panoramic views of both, the harbour and the city center.
The extension comprises 15.000 m² across 15 stories. The building will be completed in the summer of 2008.
The design
InHolland University (formerly Ichthus University of professional education) is situated in the Kop van Zuid area in Rotterdam. The area once was an industrial harbour surrounded by 19th and early 20th century architecture. The (existing) building refers to this harbour aesthetic, in urban scale as well as in typology. The client's objectives were to create a flexible 21st century school that has both a transparent and open appearance as well as relating to the existing 19th century brick buildings of the city's urban plan.
As the school preferred to keep future options open, the concept was to design a flexible building layout that could allow for floors to be partially rented for commercial use, if necessary in the future. The building maximizes the site available, consisting of two accommodation wings that enclose a central atrium space. The functions that require the more specific and public spaces are placed on the first three floors of the building, with the classrooms on the upper six floors. The central atrium extends over the full height of the building, creating a spacious heart to the building along the south façade. The building is executed predominantly in cobalt blue screen printed and clear glass, both to maximize the internal flexibility and optimise the views out over the harbour. This expansive use of glass creates an open character to the building and as such expresses the school's philosophy.
Source: Erick van Egeraat
