The "ruin-like" concrete frame of a former chemistry laboratory has been transformed into a series of workspaces for the University of Twente in Enschede, the Netherlands, in this project by Civic Architects and VDNDP.
Providing a new home for the International Institute for Geo-Information Sciences (ITC), the building was designed to be a "sustainable symbol" for the campus.
It repurposes an abandoned 1970s structure to house bright interiors organised around courtyard gardens.
An existing concrete frame was retained for the redevelopment
Local studios Civic Architects and VDNDP sought to "embrace the imperfections" of the existing building, using its concrete frame to support a demountable steel structure and partition walls that could easily be reconfigured to suit future needs. "The original building was designed for machinery and, due to its low ceilings and significant depth (40 metres), was very, very dark ? it proved difficult to repurpose," founding partner at Civic Architects Jan Lebbink told Dezeen.
"Our approach involved a shift in programming: rather than forcing the existing structure to conform, we tailored the building's organisation to suit it," he added.
A demountable steel structure and partition walls creates an adaptable space
Entry to the ITC is via a large hall envisioned as its "social heart", set back beyond a small garden and featuring a large tiered wooden staircase, providing space for s...