New living environment for learning and collaboration
The task
The University of Amsterdam is transforming the monumental Kohnstammhuis and the adjacent wing of the Theo Thijssenhuis into an integral city campus. The assignment was to create an inspiring learning and working environment that matches the historic value of the building, while meeting the needs of modern teaching and meeting spaces. The design had to be flexible enough to accommodate varying student numbers and future program changes.
“Learning plazas that stimulate collaboration and inspiration.”
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About this project
The interior design subtly brings back the rich history of the Kohnstamm House, originally designed by architect Friedhoff in 1958. It combines monumental charm with contemporary functionality, with the impressive bright spaces offering an impressive entrance.
Flexible Learning Center
The learning center on the ground floor offers many options thanks to portable and retractable furniture. This makes the space suitable for a variety of activities, from studying and workshops to large-scale meetings.
Educational floors and apprenticeships
The educational floors above the learning center are organized around a central corridor with an iconic black ceiling that marks the backbone of the building. Flexible teaching and office spaces on both sides support changing user needs. Learning plazas are the social heart of each floor, where students and teachers can work together and relax.
“A flexible campus that moves with students and the city.”
Highlights
Flexibility in use
The learning center and classrooms are designed for easily customizable layouts, making the spaces future-proof.
Learning plazas as meeting points
Central learning plazas promote cooperation and provide space for social interaction between students and teachers.
Respect for heritage
The design combines modern functionality while retaining its historic character, such as the central corridor with the black ceiling and original architectural details.
Inclusive city campus
The combination of education, student affairs and refresher courses with central facilities makes the Kohnstammhuis a dynamic meeting place for the HvA community and the city.
Sustainability and adaptability
The interior is tailored to intensive, long-term use, with a focus on durability and ease of use.
Credits
New living environment for learning and collaboration
The task
The University of Amsterdam is transforming the monumental Kohnstammhuis and the adjacent wing of the Theo Thijssenhuis into an integral city campus. The assignment was to create an inspiring learning and working environment that matches the historic value of the building, while meeting the needs of modern teaching and meeting spaces. The design had to be flexible enough to accommodate varying student numbers and future program changes.
About this projct
The interior design subtly brings back the rich history of the Kohnstamm House, originally designed by architect Friedhoff in 1958. It combines monumental charm with contemporary functionality, with the impressive bright spaces offering an impressive entrance.
Flexible Learning Center
The learning center on the ground floor offers many options thanks to portable and retractable furniture. This makes the space suitable for a variety of activities, from studying and workshops to large-scale meetings.
Educational floors and apprenticeships
The educational floors above the learning center are organized around a central corridor with an iconic black ceiling that marks the backbone of the building. Flexible teaching and office spaces on both sides support changing user needs. Learning plazas are the social heart of each floor, where students and teachers can work together and relax.
“Learning plazas that stimulate collaboration and inspiration.”
Respect for history
The design respects the monumental character of the Kohnstamm House and highlights the authentic elements. The modern additions have been carefully integrated to enhance the unique architecture without overwhelming it.
Central functions
In addition to the Education & Education domain, the spaces house the Student Affairs Department, the Center for Refresher Training Amsterdam and central facilities such as a media library, incubator and arena. These multifunctional facilities contribute to the inclusive and dynamic vision of the city campus.
“A flexible campus that moves with students and the city.”
Highlights
Flexibility in use
The learning center and classrooms are designed for easily customizable layouts, making the spaces future-proof.
Learning plazas as meeting points
Central learning plazas promote cooperation and provide space for social interaction between students and teachers.
Respect for heritage
The design combines modern functionality while retaining its historic character, such as the central corridor with the black ceiling and original architectural details.
Inclusive city campus
The combination of education, student affairs and refresher courses with central facilities makes the Kohnstammhuis a dynamic meeting place for the HvA community and the city.
Sustainability and adaptability
The interior is tailored to intensive, long-term use, with a focus on durability and ease of use.
Credits