Campus Uilenstede

Deconstructed openness

In a large-scale reconstruction, Campus Uilenstede has transformed from a closed residential complex into a vibrant focal point where students not only like to live, but also come to work, study, and relax. Most of the building’s original structure has been preserved, but the hotspot has been given a new layout and a new shell, to facilitate meeting and interaction.
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Bart Reuser, Marijn Schenk and Michel Schreinemachers with Joost Lemmens, Arno Kwint

Ossip van Duivenbode

Explore the campus culture

With approximately 3400 residents, Campus Uilenstede in Amstelveen is the largest student campus in Northern Europe and was built in the 1970s. To maintain a pleasant living environment and to update the existing facilities, the original structure has been opened up. By doing so, the campus has transformed from a closed residential complex to an open central square.

In the main building, breakthroughs have been realized in two directions, increasing social safety and living quality. The junction of connections creates a meeting point on the central square, instead of the previous dead end. The apartments in the plinth have been removed and replaced by various collective facilities, such as bars and restaurants, and event spaces. By placing a large, transparent greenhouse over the old construction, a covered market square has been created that creates a new focal point for the student campus. The diverse shell gives the different clusters of the building their own colour and identity.

Connecting students

The transformation of Uilenstede aims to facilitate interaction and connection between students. The campus represents more than just an attractive place to live; it is a place where students come together to work, study and enjoy themselves. The new program on the ground floor with communal facilities, such as shops, catering establishments, a supermarket, student facilities, and a cultural centre, contributes to this aim. Having access to the various facilities directly from the central square ensures continuous activity and liveliness in the area.

Creating a sustainable living environment

Reusing materials and searching for new possibilities with existing elements was vital to the reconstruction of Campus Uilenstede. In addition, sustainable materials have been used to enhance the sustainable value of the campus as a whole. An example of this is the use of Resysta, a residual product of brown rice, for the new facade. The relatively simple and cost-friendly interventions have a major impact on the experience and use of the space. The revitalization breathes new life into the student campus and makes it future-proof.

Het openbreken van de campus
 
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