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Text description provided by the architect. Fontys Hogescholen’s Rachelsmolen campus in Eindhoven has undergone a transformation from a closed island in the city to an inspiring learning environment. A design team consisting of Barcode Architects, Nudus, Okra Landscape Architects and Hollandse Nieuwe was responsible for the design of the master plan, the surrounding landscape and the realization of the three new educational buildings.
The integration of city and campus. Initially, Rachelsmolen was a gated campus with a layout primarily focused on parking. In answering this question, the design team saw a challenging opportunity to open up the site and connect the campus and the city. Therefore, the new 24,000 m² project is not located in one large building, but is divided into three independent volumes. Various programs and institutions are spread across the building to encourage as many meetings and cross-pollination as possible. The new educational building is positioned to harmonize with the existing architecture and landscape. Together they surround an inner area, a 4-hectare green and attractive public space with a vibrant square. The plaza is a gathering point for students, teachers and other users, a center of interaction and connection.
Building R11: Central Building. The new R11 building occupies a central location on campus. It contains features accessible to the entire Fontys community, such as a restaurant, library and spacious lecture theatre. What is special about R11 is that it has two faces: on the campus side it presents a transparent and inviting appearance, while on the adjacent residential side it has a more closed character, covered with folded reflective panels. In this way, the building creates a strong connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape, while also entering into a dialogue with the campus’ users through its reflective qualities.
Building R12: Public, but also private. R12 is a building for practical education, with purpose-built facilities that mimic professional environments such as physiotherapy, MRI and surgery. Some of these spaces are open to the public, allowing Eindhoven residents to access specific medical services. The building’s design reflects a balance between accessibility and privacy, with an inviting atrium, generous window openings and a prominent staircase that serves as a seating platform and route through the building, connecting the different floors. Deep within the building, private spaces are strategically placed away from the central route to ensure privacy, safety and comfort for students and patients.
Building R13: Famous Campus Display. The R13 building has a dual function. It is the showcase of the campus and an important link between the campus and the city. The striking single-story volume bisects the building vertically, providing a main entrance to the city and campus sides. The volume’s striking facade features a unique staircase and bleachers that merge into one, not only housing lush greenery and integrated seating, but also functioning as an open-air theater on campus. The integration of this architectural element creates a pleasant connection between the building and its natural surroundings, both in terms of design and use. At the same time, it introduces a human scale and increases the accessibility and connection between the building and its surrounding environment.
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