Various construction projects are currently underway on the University of Twente’s campus. The ideas derive from the 2000 Master Plan. In addition to the need to improve quality (and following the 2002 fire in Cubicus), the new buildings are required for the growth in student numbers. As Route ’14 indicates, the University of Twente aims to expand its teaching capacity to 10,000 students, which in turn means an increase in the number of employees and of course has consequences for the university’s buildings.
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH CENTRE
The largest current construction projects are for the Education
and Research Centre (in Dutch: O&O centrum). This is a
cluster of buildings which are to be connected via footbridges. The
3D presentation illustrates what this centre will look like. Four
construction projects are currently being completed within this
Education and Research Centre:
Ravelijn. This building will house the School
of Management and Governance. The first phase (13,500 m2) comprises
two five-storey office wings. These will contain all workstations,
meeting rooms, study facilities and tutorial rooms. There will also
be an atrium with a lecture room block. One of these rooms can
accommodate 90 people, the other four can each accommodate 70
people. Ravelijn is expected to be taken into use in May/June
2010.
Waaier. The Waaier building has been renovated.
The canteen capacity has been expanded to form a fully-fledged
restaurant. Lecture room capacity has also been increased, with a
view to holding academic ceremonies here. A flexible wall normally
separates the two large lecture rooms, but when removed the area
provides nearly 900 places. This will be taken into use in early
2010.
Carré. This will be home to parts of the
faculties of Science and Technology and Electrical Engineering,
Mathematics and Computer Science. The building, centrally located
in the Education and Research Centre, surrounds an inner courtyard
and will have five floors. It will chiefly house office and
teaching areas and laboratories. The new Carré building is linked
to the Nanolab. The two buildings will be taken into use during the
first half of next year.
Nanolab. In addition to a new clean room, the
Nanolab will also house new extremely low vibration laboratories
with office space. The Nanolab will form the link between Carré and
Zuidhorst. Footbridges will connect the buildings.
OUTSIDE AREAS
The Education and Research Centre's outside areas will be
developed from the start of next year. This will involve two
projects:
E & R square: Right in the centre, the
linking factor will be the E & R square. This will be the
central meeting point. The partial overhang will serve to link the
buildings and shelter their users from the rain. Seating will be
arranged throughout the square. Bike sheds which are easy to reach
via the buildings themselves will provide parking for 1,550
additional bikes.
In line with Kennispark Twente plans, Langezijds, on the edge of
the square, is to be redeveloped into a modern technology
centre.
Car park: The 2003 Master Plan anticipates a
virtually traffic-free Education and Research Centre. Parking
spaces will mostly be on the outer edge of the centre. Through
roads will ensure easy access to the various buildings. Disabled
parking spaces will be provided near the main entrances. A new car
park will be constructed next to Pinetum; trees will be
incorporated as if the Pinetum continues uninterrupted. This car
park will provide 220 additional parking spaces.
The 3D animation showing the University of Twente's
Education and Research Centre is available
online.
