Rotterdam-based studio Ector Hoogstad Architecten have completed the transformation of a sixty year-old historic building into the newest hall of the University of Technology, Eindhoven. The transformation process included the insertion of a new building on top of the previous construction — which will now host the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science — and the complex is now called MetaForum.
Built in 1958 as a "flexible, indoor hectare for machinery and
experiments", the original building provided the spirit for the renovation and transformation process. The new MetaForum provides room for the new central library, a large number of study areas and lounges, catering facilities, shops and student information desks. The southern section now hosts a covered events area. On the first floors, a series of footbridges connects the spaces in the new complex — the library and the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science — with the surrounding buildings. This feature, alongside the framed views at various levels, seeks to emphasise the function of the complex as the university's central meeting place.
The new 16,000 square metre faculty hovers above the previously existing building like a massive metal block, supported by a subtle framework of twenty steel columns. Under the MetaForum, a new cellar compensates partially for the weight of the new
faculty building and accommodates the technical installations. The climate control equipment is built into the first story floor. The renovation of the historic building was non intrusive, allowing the old roof the be restored, and leaving the outward façade untouched.
Ector Hoogstad Architecten: MetaForum
A sixty year-old historic building is transformed into the newest hall of the University of Technology, harbouring a new central library, study areas and lounges, catering facilities, shops and student information desks.
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- 15 November 2012
- Eindhoven
Ector Hoogstad Architecten: MetaForum, renovation and construction of a new hall for the University of Technology, Eindhoven (TU)
Architects: Ector Hoogstad Architecten
Project team: Joost Ector, Max Pape, Chris Arts, Ralph Sijstermans, Ridwan Tehupelasury, Kees Bongers, Hetty Mommersteeg, Arja Hoogstad, Gijs Weijnen, Victor Braat, Wesley de Bruijn, Ralph Noordhoek, Sabine Alders and Damion Schwarzkachel
Completion: June 2012
Gross floor area: 26,912 square metres
Advice to commissioning party and
construction management: HEVO
Structural advice: ABT Nelissen
Advice on installations and building physics: Nelissen Ingenieursburo
Architectural contractor: Hurks Bouw Zuid
Electrical, Mechanical
and Sanitary installations: Imtech Building Services
Contractor for facade renovation: Oskomera Projecten