A beating heart for learning

Until recently, the HU University of Applied Sciences was spread across nearly 30 buildings across Utrecht, the Netherlands. Today, the campus consists of just five adjacent buildings. Schmidt Hammer Lassen’s structure is the fifth and final contribution to the new Science Park campus.

In its 3,000 m2 footprint, visitors are welcomed by a softly lit, vertical space that opens up to a web of stairways, complimented by a calm palette of white, off-white, and timber. Three bright yellow escalators transverse the atrium to tie the space together as a playful visual and architectural statement.

Transparency, cohesion, and accessibility are actively incorporated into the design and are symbolically woven throughout. The ground floor of the university is designed to erase the boundary between indoors and outdoors by putting educational activities on full display through full-length windows. Retractable walls similar to garage doors open up to the central atrium for external learning and engagement across disciplines.

“Together but separate” as one of the five new university buildings, continuity between both the exterior and interior spaces is linked by the moiré pattern of the aluminium cladding that can be found not only on the exterior facade but also on the internal staircases.

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HU University of Applied Sciences

Utrecht, Netherlands

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HU University of Applied Sciences

Utrecht, Netherlands

Other Projects by Schmidt Hammer Lassen

Vectura Campus F

Dordthuis

Hollerich Urban Development

DTU Life Science & Bioengineering

Victory Silos

VIA University College Campus

Gateway, University of British Columbia

Pakhus 47

Rocket & Tigerli

Curtin University Library

Seaport World Trade Center Boston

State Library Victoria

Shenzhen East Waste-to-Energy Plant

Tūranga Christchurch Central Library

Beijing Vanke Times Center

University of Aberdeen New Library

The Culture Island

The Next Level - ARoS Aarhus Art Museum Expansion

Halifax Central Library

Nykredit's Headquarters

HU University of Applied Sciences

Utrecht, Netherlands

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team