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.
3D animation: http://www.utwente.nl/3d-campus
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.
