The design of the OZC by KAAN Architecten has a square shape and is relatively low, like several other buildings on the campus. This ensures a good fit within the surroundings and among the trees. Yet it also differs significantly from the square central university building, the Cobbenhagen, formerly the Catholic Economics College that became the first university building in the early 1960s.

External view of the building within flat green

Designed by architect Jos Bedaux (1910-1989), this closed edifice pulls the outlying landscape into the interior through two patios. The building by KAAN Architecten however, is nestled in the landscape. Ample daylight and quite marked openness with radical views through the structure make the building merge with its environment. The study spaces are enclosed in a green setting, as an opening in the woods.

Interior view from the main hall

The OZC will support all faculties within the university and so will be continuously busy with up to 2500 students and educators all connected to each other thanks to the new building spaces. In order to safeguard its openness and avoid feeling crowded, the building has been given extra berth. All the spaces, including the corridors, are wide, light and tall – up to six meters high. The plans include a large number of study coves and group areas of different dimensions, as well as various lecture rooms that will be equipped with all the necessary IT and communication tools. The auditorium has been given a central and sunken position so that the building retains transparent passages from one end to another.

Public connection space with full transparency

In collaboration with KAAN Architecten and VORM, the consortium that obtained the contract also includes Pieters Bouwtechniek, J. van Toorenburg BV, Bosch Slabbers, Buro Bouwfysica, OPPS, ABT, A.de Jong Installatietechniek, Steegman Electrotechniek, De Groot & Visser BV, Oranjedak, GWS dé schoonmaker and Caspar de Haan Groep. Construction will commence in the end of 2016. 

a view from study area including sculptural staircase

Project Facts

Project name: OZC (Education and Self-Study Center)

Location: campus Tilburg University (The Netherlands)

Client: Tilburg University

Programme: auditorium, lecture rooms, tutorial rooms, meeting rooms, restaurant, exam rooms, lounge area

Architect: KAAN Architecten (Kees Kaan, Vincent Panhuysen, Dikkie Scipio)
design team: Alejandro Gonzáles Pérez, Martina Margini, Kevin Park, Maria Stamati, Yiannis Tsoskounoglou, Noëmi Vos, Yang Zhang

Design: 2016
Start construction: end of 2016 delivery: December 2017
GFA: 11.000 sqm

Main contractor: VORM project management: VORM

Advisor water installations: A de Jong Installatietechniek
Advisor electrical installations: Steegman Installatietechniek advisor construction: Pieters Bouwtechniek
Advisor technical installations: J van Toorenburg Installatieadviseur advisor fire and acoustics: Buro Bouwfysica

Sustainability: ABT
Quality management: OPPS landscape: Bosch Slabbers

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> via KAAN Architecten