The University of Twente campus is a place where science, art and architecture come together.
Between the modern buildings and the green landscape, you will discover countless extraordinary works of art, most of which were specially designed for UT.
Architecture
Since 1961, the University of Twente campus, located on the former Drienerlo estate, has evolved into a fascinating architectural landscape. The urban design by Wim van Tijen and Samuel van Embden, based on the principles of New Objectivity, provided structure and strategically positioned buildings while separating living, working, and recreation. A group of young architects later broke away from this formal style with playful and cosy designs. In 2000, Jan Hoogstad became the campus’s supervising architect, a role now held by Peter Vermeulen.
Would you like to explore the art and architecture on campus at your own pace? Download the art and architecture walking tour. For free internet access, connect to the ‘Enschede stad van nu’ network.
Exhibitions and Art Lending
The Vrijhof, UT's cultural centre, hosts regular exhibitions and houses the art loan service, where you can borrow and admire works of art.
Campus Art Advisory Committee
The Campus Art Advisory Committee (CAAC) is engaged in organising and stimulating visual art activities on the University of Twente campus. It also advises on the acquisition of works of art by the University of Twente and on the management of the university's art collection in public spaces.
Principles
The CAAC applies the following principles:
- Attention to science and technology
In an environment such as UT, it is essential to connect visual arts with science and technology, and their significance for people and society.
- Focused on educating students
UT is a place where students spend a number of highly formative years; visual art at UT should explicitly contribute to that formation.
- Focused on connecting
Art can create new connections between people and their environment, and between people themselves. Placing ‘landmarks’ in public spaces creates not only recognition and stability, but also a sense of security.
- Basis for inspiration
Art offers a certain view of reality, which is increasingly also recognised as a form of research in its own right (artistic research) and can therefore ideally be part of a university environment.
- Room for provocation
Art is capable of shocking, provoking, and disrupting. And thus it can contribute to the previous principles. It is precisely through its role of ‘shock and awe’ that art offers education, inspiration and connection in an environment of science and technology.
Contact persons Campus Art Advisory Committee
Do you have ideas, tips or questions? Mail them to campus-art@utwente.nl or approach one of the committee members:
