Architects:Defesche Van den Putte architecture + urbanism

Area :9000 m²

Year :2017

Photographs :Roos Aldershoff

Manufacturers :  TECU®TECU®

Engineering :ABT

Contractor :Dura Vermeer

Architect In Charge : Jef van den Putte

Clients : Erasmus University Rotterdam, Real Estate & Facilities

New Artworks : Henri Jacobs, Marijn van Kreij

New Artworks : Henri Jacobs, Marijn van Kreij

City : Rotterdam

Country : The Netherlands

The library building at the Erasmus University Rotterdam, built in 1968, is an example of brutalist architecture and is a municipal monument. It has been undergoing a sweeping renovation of its architecture and engineering installations. Having reached the end of its life-span, the building also needed upgrading to meet current and future ways of working. As more and more books are becoming digitalized, printed books are disappearing into the background. The renovated building will contain about 900 study spaces, 50 office spaces for staff, and the collections of the University Library and Rotterdamsch Leeskabinet.

In the simplicity and clearness of the original design we found a clear line for the transformation: to bring back these excellent qualities while adapting the structure to the current demands. The re-introduction of transparency, openness and a clear structure has lead the design process from that moment on. All the essential interventions were made in a way to enhance the harmony of the building and create a new and coherent reality.