Faculty of Economics and Management Utrecht
- Design: 1991
- Realisation: 1995
- Client: Stichting F.E.H.U
- Gross Floor Area: 23,000m2
The University of Utrecht in the Netherlands commissioned an urban master plan by the Office of Metropolitan Architecture (Art Zaayer) in the eighties, and has since invited several well known Dutch architects to contribute to the University campus "De Uithof". The faculty for Economics and Management (FEM) is part of the Kasbah zone of the campus which aims to preserve the existing feeling of open space by strongly condensing building programs and allowing collective spaces only within their footprint and not between the buildings. The design for this faculty follows and enhances these principles of the master plan in order to create a new sense of unity for the faculty. Previously the FEM was accommodated in seven buildings at five different locations scattered around the city. The six departments of the faculty sought to define a new single identity while at the same time preserving a sense of independence. The identity of the faculty as a whole is determined by its collective spaces; entrance lobby, library, "mediatheque", restaurants and lecture halls for up to 400 people. These are all positioned at the front of the building complex and can be rented out as conference rooms, which increase the activity in this public zone. There are three patio gardens within the building with specific characteristics; the Water Patio, the Jungle Patio and the Zen Patio. These spaces provide a visual focus for orientation and are perceived to be the heart of the building. The more specific educational functions, such as classrooms and staff facilities are located at the rear of the building. Each department centers on a "study square", where students can meet for informal study purposes. The building program forms several groups that are expressed by distinct architectonic typology and materialization. The ground floor provides the main orientation area for the building from which the other floors are easily accessible. Internal circulation routes are spacious to cater for the large numbers of students. They each have a different character to aid orientation. Contrary to its large scale (23,000 m2 gross floor area) the building remains easy to comprehend for visitors. By developing the principle of the Kasbah zone to its full extent, the new FEM combines a unified and strong exterior with a rich and complex quality of the inner space.