AMSTERDAM UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

ZENBER has answered this need by creating dynamic and multifunctional mixed zones for the Faculty; spaces located in the heart of the campus that encourage students and lecturers to meet and cooperate. They are open and transparent meeting places with a social identity that harmonises with the Faculty and the degree programmes.

Faculty of Applied Social Sciences and Law

The Faculty of Applied Social Sciences and Law is accommodated in the Muller-Lulofs building and the Wibaut building. ZENBER created mixed zones on the campus for the users and the Faculty’s degree programmes in Applied Psychology, Social Work, Public Management, Legal Studies, Social Legal Services and the Research Institute for Societal Innovation. Some 7,500 students and 375 staff members use the mixed zones on the campus.

Faculty with an important role in Amsterdam society

The Faculty of Applied Social Sciences and Law is at the heart of Amsterdam society. The Faculty’s close ties with the city are expressed in a high level of social commitment and are reflected in all the degree programmes in social, cultural, legal and behavioural studies which fall under the umbrella of the Faculty. Each of these degree programmes has its own unique perspective of the people, their behaviour and the laws that affect them, and through these perspectives the Faculty is able to play an important role in Amsterdam society.

Toolbox workshops

ZENBER collected specific information about the educational processes during interactive workshops with students, lecturers and staff using the ZENBER Toolbox. These workshops were also an opportunity to inform the users of the campus about the use of the new zones. The workshops revealed what facilities the various degree programmes needed and also provided additional information about the programmes’ separate identities.

Working in learning communities

The educational vision of AUAS encompasses working in learning communities. For the mixed zones, ZENBER created collaborative workplaces with high and low tables (for both sitting and standing) in various formats. They also designed galleries that can be used for holding presentations but also function as meeting places. The central area includes both active zones and chill-out zones with relaxation facilities such as a lounge, pantry and table tennis table. On the periphery of the central, dynamic zones, there are quiet workplaces and concentration zones where students can work alone.

Quotes and graphic elements on the walls and windows express the identity and social commitment of the degree programmes. The atmosphere in this common space is defined by colours, natural materials and plants. ZENBER even developed a series of hanging lights especially for AUAS. These lights are made by people with a labour market disadvantage out of recycled workwear pressed into felt.