"Area 19" at Eindhoven University of Technology, designed by the architectural firms Kaan Architecten and De Zwarte Hond, will house three TU/e faculties, including an advanced laboratory, offices, a large auditorium, and two smaller halls.
The project utilizes a modular and adaptable structure with wooden elements, aiming to provide flexibility to the spaces over time and facilitate their use by researchers, students, and staff.
Axonometry. Area 19 at Eindhoven University of Technology by Kaan architecten + De Zwarte Hond.
Project description by Kaan Architecten y De Zwarte Hond
The commission includes the design of a new research and education building and the urban development of a new campus area. The project will be developed in the coming years within the framework set by TU/e.
The proposal builds on the original masterplan by Sam van Embden from the 1960s, retaining the orthogonal structure and characteristic bridges. The ambition is to develop Area 19 as an open ensemble around a central hall, with green spaces strengthening the connection to the surrounding campus and the Dommel valley.
Area 19 will accommodate three faculties of TU/e, including an advanced laboratory, offices, a large lecture hall and two smaller halls. Interaction is a key principle in the design at both the campus and building levels. Through targeted spatial interventions, knowledge exchange and collaboration between researchers, students and staff will be encouraged.
Sustainability is a key principle. A compact layout and a modular, adaptable structure with timber elements will allow the building to evolve over time and support interdisciplinary use.
“Returning to the place where it all began during my studies makes Area 19 particularly meaningful. The opportunity to contribute to the further development of the TU/e campus is both a responsibility and a privilege. Designed as a ‘chip’, a low-rise hall typology within Embden’s vision, our proposal brings together craftsmanship, precision and functionality in a generous, robust and adaptable environment for education and advanced laboratory research.”
Antony Laurijsen, associate partner and architect at KAAN Architecten.
“With its strong DNA and its location next to the station and in the heart of the city, the TU/e campus is, to me, one of the most interesting campuses in the Netherlands. With this redevelopment, we build on Van Embden’s original plans and adapt this part of the campus to current needs. The cultural and historical value of the campus is essential to us. With Area 19, this area will once again contribute to the spatial quality of the campus as a whole.”
Bart Van Kampen, partner and architect at De Zwarte Hond.
