Erick van Egeraat: faculty of the Rotterdam University completed
Rotterdam – The university faculty Erasmus University College has officially been inaugurated, conveniently located at Nieuwemarkt, in the center of Rotterdam. The building, which was formerly the city library built in 1923, was designed by city architect D. B. Logemann; it is adorned with Art Deco sculptural decorations, created by J.P.H. van Lunteren, and stained glass from J.W. Gidding. It is one of the few buildings that survived the bombing of the center during World War II (in 1940).
The reconstruction and conversion of the building was designed by Erick van Egeraat in accordance with the principles of the so-called Venice Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites. The author revealed and preserved the exceptional beauty of this structure, with its generous decorative embellishments, coffered ceilings, wooden paneling, natural stone elements, sculptures, and stained glass, all of which had been covered for decades by drywall walls and ceilings. The restorative approach was complemented by the architect's contemporary interventions, resulting in a modern faculty that meets the requirements of the brief and current standards for university buildings.
At the center of the building is an elegant atrium with glass walls and a glass roof, flooding the interior with natural light. Two glass elevators located in the atrium connect all five floors. Offices and classrooms are situated on the third floor. Although the functionalist structure of the former book depository could not be retained, it is echoed in the new design.
Erasmus University College represents a sophisticated conversion that allows this landmark to come to life again; it is an extraordinary asset for both the university and the city. The project, focused on education, fits into a long series of similarly directed designs by Erick van Egeraat. Other school buildings of his that are nearing completion include the Paulinum of Leipzig University and the campus of Sberbank University near Moscow.
The reconstruction and conversion of the building was designed by Erick van Egeraat in accordance with the principles of the so-called Venice Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites. The author revealed and preserved the exceptional beauty of this structure, with its generous decorative embellishments, coffered ceilings, wooden paneling, natural stone elements, sculptures, and stained glass, all of which had been covered for decades by drywall walls and ceilings. The restorative approach was complemented by the architect's contemporary interventions, resulting in a modern faculty that meets the requirements of the brief and current standards for university buildings.
At the center of the building is an elegant atrium with glass walls and a glass roof, flooding the interior with natural light. Two glass elevators located in the atrium connect all five floors. Offices and classrooms are situated on the third floor. Although the functionalist structure of the former book depository could not be retained, it is echoed in the new design.
Erasmus University College represents a sophisticated conversion that allows this landmark to come to life again; it is an extraordinary asset for both the university and the city. The project, focused on education, fits into a long series of similarly directed designs by Erick van Egeraat. Other school buildings of his that are nearing completion include the Paulinum of Leipzig University and the campus of Sberbank University near Moscow.
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