City Centre Campus

ISSUE 2 | JUNE 2016

Academic Club City Centre Campus Plans for a new A vibrant and attractive location ’s iconic centre p. 2 p. 3 University Library Working toward an attractive city centre p. 4 Student councils collaborate on plans for City Centre Campus

Over the next few months, two scenarios will be fleshed out for the City Centre Campus: the campus for the Faculty of the Humanities and the UvA-wide University Library (UB). Lianne Hooijmans and Eleni Kouvelas will be working on the scenarios on behalf of the Central Student Council (CSR) and the Faculty Student Council.

‘It’s very good that we are being buildings on the Binnengasthuis involved more’, says Lianne, a premises that are to be renovat- student of Law and Philosophy, ed. This plan dates from 2011. member of the CSR and chair However, last year a number of of the Organisation & Finances students and employees criti- Committee. This way we can cised a number of aspects of provide input on the plans, par- this plan, including its cost. The ticularly from the students’ per- Executive Board stated in the spective. That’s better than just Ten-point Plan that the deci- being able to approve or reject sion on the construction of a the Executive Board’s proposal new UB would be submitted at the end of the process.’ to the academic community. Now there are two scenarios Consulting the university for the entire City Centre community Campus. In the second scenario, In the current scenario for the UB would be housed in the City Centre Campus, the the Oudemanhuispoort. Both University Library (UB) will be scenarios will be elaborated accommodated in two historic to the same design level and then submitted to the academic Lianne Hooijmans (l) community. and Eleni Kouvelas ‘It’s very good that we in front of one of the are being involved more.’ potential UB locations. Further Lianne Hooijmans ­information The ­ is building its City Centre VOX-POP flourishes on BG premises Campus in and around the Binnengasthuis premises, ‘Since the beginning of this of identity. Lately, we’ve been one of the UvA’s four open year, we’ve been occupying a presenting New Perspective city campuses. By clustering beautiful location where so every other week, a film after- related academic disciplines, much is happening’, says noon showing films that present the UvA hopes to strengthen Marte Rijsdijk, coordinator current affairs in a new way.’ ties within the university of VOX-POP, the creative space and pop-up project of Coming soon: exhibition on and encourage collaboration the humanities. the refugee crisis both within the institution On 1 June, a number of and beyond with companies, This is the location of the Humanities study associations, authorities and civil society former Students Service Desk including Etcetera, Alpha and organisations. The City on the Binnengasthuis prem- KLEIO, will be organising the Marte Rijsdijk ­Centre Campus will be the ises. ‘We got off to a good symposium ‘Global identities’ in home base of the Faculty­ start at our new location. The cultural centre de Brakke Grond, personal stories of refugees. from 15:30 to 17:30. Films being of Humanities and the first exhibition – ‘labelling a symposium on the refugee Geronimo travelled to Serbia shown in the next few weeks ­University Library. identity’ – involved two visual crisis. ‘Linked to the symposium and Croatia to photograph the include Human on Wednesday www.campus.uva.nl artists, Gerrie Starreveld and is an exhibition organised by influx of refugees.’ 8 June and La Piscine on Bart Drost. For a month they VOX-POP from 1 to 10 June VOX-POP is organising film Wednesday 22 June. Follow us on Twitter organised a varied, interactive featuring the work of photog- days in the former Student @UVABinnenstad lunch programme with work- rapher Geronimo Matulessy, Service Desk in Binnengasthuis-­ For the up-to-date programme: shops and lectures on the theme with photographs depicting the ­straat 9 every other Wednesday www.voxpop.uva.nl CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Bookcase Eleni, an Eastern European Studies student, is working on the scenarios on behalf of Lunch, drinks and debating in the Faculty Student Council (FSR) for the Humanities. She believes this involvement is important: ‘Our faculty will soon be using this campus and, together with the Law the Academic Club Faculty, is one of the faculties that makes the most intense use of the UB.’ Everyone is welcome It turns out that UvA students and employ- ees have some concerns about the UB. Both the FSR and the CSR have received ques- tions on the number of books that will be available in the library once it is opened. Eleni: ‘For students, it is important to have bookcases full of books that they can take off the shelves and leaf through. Not too many books should disappear into storage.’

Schedule of Requirements Very soon, the student representatives will be joining the discussion on the basic design and parameters for the campus. This will result in a schedule of requirements for the provisional design of both scenarios and will include agreements on the various functions of the campus and the amount of space required.

Prestige project ‘Of course’, Lianne says, ‘we will be advocat- ing what is relevant for students: quality lec- ture spaces, good and sufficient study places and other such practical matters. Matters such as daylight, climate control and ambi- ence are important, too. Being in and around the buildings should be a pleasant experi- ence.’ Eline adds: ‘We want to retain the special charm of studying in the city centre. It certainly mustn’t become too massive or office-building like.’

Furthermore, the students will certainly be keeping an eye on the project costs. ‘Obviously a UB has to be attractive’, says Lianne. ‘But it doesn’t have to be an unnec- essarily expensive prestige project. And that’s a point of criticism of the current UB plan.’

Informing students CSR and FSR keep students abreast of the developments via the usual channels, Maaike Ambags in front such as Facebook and newsletters. Where of the Academic Club necessary, they will also organise meetings to share information and poll preferences. Oudemanhuispoort as the location for the A dazzling spot with live jazz music during Friday afternoon drinks with colleagues and an attractive location UB is not a choice that either Lianne or to have lunch with your international guests. It’s all happening in the ‘UvA’s living room’, the Amsterdam Eleni can get very enthusiastic about person- Academic Club (AAC), says Maaike Ambags, AAC director. ally. ‘We think the Binnengasthuisterrein is an excellent location and would prefer to see ‘Initially we were only open ‘This is a spot where Campus. ‘Of course, all a cost-effective variant of the existing plan’, to UvA academic personnel, faculties are welcome, but More information according to Lianne. but the people who came people can meet up the humanities deal with The Amsterdam Academic Club, were too few to make for a in a relaxed and many issues that appeal to Oudezijds Achterburgwal 235, Graduated lively atmosphere. When I the imagination and which is open every working day The students themselves will have long was hired five years ago, my homely atmosphere.’ make good topics for from 12:00 to (at least) 18:00 graduated by the time the City Centre instructions were to intro- debates. The arrival of the for lunch and/or drinks. Please Maaike Ambags Campus is completed. Eleni: ‘This is a huge, duce more light, air and University Library will also phone in advance to make long-term project. In a way it’s still all very openness.’ generate a lot of visitors, dinner reservations. Debates abstract. But the students’ perspective won’t and that’s exactly what we are held every Thursday and change. The conditions that we consider Ivory tower the municipality or another want. The AAC is a spot there is live jazz every Friday. important for an effective study programme And this has succeeded organisation. ‘For example, where people can meet up For more information and the will also apply to the next generations. rather well. The AAC has we will soon have a debate in a relaxed and homely full programme of events, go to 700 members, but eve- on euthanasia with psycho- atmosphere.’ aac.uva.nl. More information ryone is welcome, from analyst Paul Schnabel, and Would you like to know more about this subject? alumni and employees or Patti Valkenburg, University Or perhaps you would like to read some background ex-employees to residents Professor of Media, Youth Walking under the clock information on both scenarios. Click on and tourists. ‘Science is no and Society, recently gave campus.uva.nl -> Current developments. longer isolated in an ivory a lecture on the sunny and The AAC is located in a historical building where Oudezijds tower, and the same goes dark sides of social media. Achterburgwal and Grimburgwal meet, with a beautiful for the ACC. There are so Events like that are packed, clock on the roof. The building was designed in the many interesting issues at so if you want to attend a 19th century as a waiting room for the city and hospital This article deals specifically with CSR/ play in the UvA that are lecture be sure to register in pharmacy, but derived its fame from something very FSR. The Central Works Council is also fun to share.’ That is why advance via our site.’ different: outpatients were also treated here, including involved in fleshing out the scenarios. the AAC organises a lecture people with a venereal disease, which explains the In the next issue, we will report on the or debate every Thursday, Relaxed atmosphere Amsterdam expression ‘onder de klok lopen’ (walking experiences and opinions of this party. where a UvA scientist Maaike is pleased the engages with someone Faculty of Humanities is under the clock) for someone with an STD. from the business sector, moving to the City Centre BUILDING DEVELOPMENTS

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SITUATIE VOORJAAR 2016 b City Centre Campus map State of development as of Spring 2016 ht A 16 17 Further ud Home base for the Faculty of Humanities (FGw) Oudezijds Achterbur l

and the University Library (UB) Rokin 15 information Sint Agnietenstr . 1 Media and Culture Studies (FGw) Do you have any 2 Art History and Cultural Studies (FGw) loveniersburgwa K

3 Temporary location of VOX-POP and UvA Real Nes oorburgwal questions or remarks Estate Development / AUAS Development Rusland w Office / future location of FGw 14 about the development 5 Future location of the Faculty of Humanities b Oudezijds V h of the City Centre 6 Oudemanhuispoort: Future location of s 6 University Library / Faculty of Humanities Campus? 7 8 Special Collections Library OudezijdsO Achterburgwal 9 Future location of University Library / Faculty of If so, contact area Humanities Grimburgwal 13 10 University Theatre 5 manager Thomas 11/12 Temporary location of the Faculty of 1 2 3 Vernooy via email Humanities / future purpose to be determined Turfdraagsterpad Kloveniersburgwal 13 Amsterdam Academic Club 14 (omgevingsmanager- g 15 Spinhuis: Future location of an external Vendelstraat nb 7 Binnengasthuisstraat academic institution [email protected]) Groenburgwal 9 Groenburgwal 16 Oost-Indisch Huis: Temporary location of the Oude T or by phone Faculty of Humanities Kalverstraat 9 urfmarkt (020 - 525 2443). 17 Bushuis: Temporary location of the Faculty of Rokin 8 Staalstraat Humanities 9 11 Staalstraat t

4, 9, 16, 24 & 25 Ready 12 Future renovation/construction project Nieuwe Doelenstraa 10 No construction activities Heiligeweg Staalkade Renovation/construction project Amstel ‘s-Gravelandse veer

Alluring perspective of City Centre Campus in danger of being lost

‘A campus has a different feel from a collection of ‘A campus has a different individual buildings across the city. Take a look at the feel from a collection Science Park for the natural sciences’, says Frank van Vree, dean of the Faculty of Humanities (FGw). He of individual buildings sees the City Centre Campus as the iconic centre of across the city.’ the University of Amsterdam.

Frank van Vree Van Vree can scarcely imagine anything more beautiful. ‘Especially when you think that in addition to FGw, one of the UvA’s mother faculties, the Executive Board and the library will also be located on the campus. For people involved in the humanities, a physical library is a kind of laboratory; books are important, but an even more important role of the library is that of study centre with study places and ancillary activities. The design of the new UB is very beautiful, but also expen- sive. Last summer an alternative scenario was proposed: the University Library in Oudemanhuispoort. Based on what we know thus far, I’m inclined to support the UB in Oudemanhuispoort.’

Fundamental considerations ‘Whatever we decide must benefit the entire UvA without losing sight of the interests of the Faculty of Humanities. That will create support for the project. Everyone is well aware this concerns the historic centre of the University for which we all bear joint responsibility. What we do know for sure is that a new library will be built. But it’s important that the divergent interests are heard in the debates. Furthermore, there are of course practical and financial arguments. While financial considera- tions weigh heavily, they must not result in our not daring to make changes. In any case, even that option would come at a cost: the PC Hoofthuis and the UB on the Singel will not be viable for much longer in their present form.’

Cutting the knot FGw counts 1,400 employees who, spread over a variety of locations in the city, miss contact and interaction. ‘And this while interdisciplinarity and looking beyond boundaries are today’s most dominant develop- ments. Having researchers work in close proximity to one another on a campus has a stimulating effect, for example in the area of innovation. Moreover, it is easier and more efficient to create facilities for our researchers on a campus.’ According to Van Vree, the idea of a campus has garnered wide support within the FGw. ‘It’s unfortunate for us, as the last in line, that everything is now being delayed due to financial considerations. The broad support that the City Centre Campus enjoyed here has been pushed to the background in the last two years. Many employees now realise that they will never move to a new location. The alluring prospective of the new location is in danger of being lost. I hope that firm decisions will be made within the next 1 ½ years, and that the campus will be constructed soon after that. A City Centre Campus with 7,000 or 8,000 students will be an impetus for the Frank van Vree entire city centre.’ BRIEF MESSAGES Treasures from UvA’s basement

Relocation

In late May 2016, a part of the Faculty of Humanities workforce will relocate from the to the City Centre Campus. The Bungehuis is one of the UvA buildings to be sold as a result of the clustering of academic disci­ plines at four open city campus­ es. As their definitive location on the City Centre Campus is not yet ready to accommodate them, these employees will be based in the Bushuis in Kloveniersburg­ wal and (a part of) the Oost- Indisch Huis in Oude Hoogstraat for the next five to ten years.

Renovation of Lisa Kuitert (l) and Eline Kortekaas the Allard Pierson next to a poster of Museum the book De Rijn

To extend a warm welcome to A cockatoo with a sense of rhythm and mechanical adding machines from seven other pairs of scientists visitors and simultaneously 1920 are on display during the exhibition ‘Out of the Box’ in Special Collec- from various disciplines, show them how much work stu­ tions on Oude Turfmarkt. Eight pairs of scientists give us a glance into the including Economics, dents and researchers put into Psychiatry and Music the collection, the Allard Pierson UvA’s historical collections from the perspective of their own discipline. Cognition, selected objects Museum will undergo another from the UvA’s depot. Their internal metamorphosis. The Lisa Kuitert, professor of Busy Sherlock ‘‘The UvA collection selections show how varied working methods will become Book Studies, and student Lisa knew the story, but not and inspiring the UvA collec- more open and dynamic, ena­ Eline Kortekaas chose the the details. She asked Eline is varied and inspiring tion is for researchers and bling the museum to distinguish 19th-century advertising cam- to join her in doing further for researchers and students. From autographs and itself more effectively from other paign for the book De Rijn, van research. ‘Eline has good books to hearing aids, skull oorsprong tot aan zee, a deluxe detective skills and a healthy students.’’ measuring machines and similar museums in the Nether­ edition full of lithographs interest in history with an eye masks from foreign cultures. lands. The museum is expected from an Arnhem publishing for the unusual. The people Eline Kortekaas ‘It’s in fact a huge cabinet of to be fully renovated in 2018. house. The book was printed managing the UvA’s collections curiosities’, says Eline. For further information, visit and sold in parts. To stimu- knew exactly where to find the Association. Eline: ‘Members www.allardpiersonmuseum.nl late sales, a villa (!) was raf- various objects in the depots, of the association wrote to the The exhibition is open through to fled among the participants. such as 19th-century adver- newspapers complaining about 4 September. Also see Incidentally, this was some- tisement lettering, advertising the raffle. Yet despite the bijzonderecollecties.uva.nl/ thing that was not unusual at posters and portions of the outrage, the raffles remained nieuws-agenda/tentoonstelling/ Removal of office the time. ‘Apart from villas, book.’ In the 19th century, popular.’ out-of-the-box.html watches, luggage sets and jew- the book trade was subject waste via canals ellery were also raffled during to strict rules drawn up by The UvA cabinet of curiosities book sales’, says Eline. the Royal Dutch Book Trade Apart from Eline and Lisa, The Uva is conducting a trial on the Binnengasthuis premises in removing office waste via the canals. The waste from two buildings in Turfdraagsterpad Plans for a new University Library (BG 1 and 2) and the round building in Binnengasthuisstraat What do you think of the plans for a for the Binnenhof and the green spaces. (BG 3) will be collected in a small new UB and the alternative, the UB But we are especially concerned about the trash compactor in the buildings in Oudemanhuispoort? We asked traffic flows, space for parking bicycles and transported once every two Leendert Vlieger, resident of Klove- and where trucks will do their loading and niersburgwal and active member of unloading. As residents, we are worried weeks via the canals. This the association for an accessible and that the nuisance will negatively impact method of transporting waste liveable Binnengasthuis premises our enjoyment of our homes. We’ve reduces the number of transport (VOLBG), and Gretske de Jong, chair recently been engaged in a constructive movements on the Binnen­ of BIZ Rokin Entrepreneurs and store dialogue regarding these concerns with gasthuis premises. Previously the manager at Scheltema. the municipality and UvA. They will look Gretske de Jong waste was collected by truck on at traffic flows in the entire area. Their a daily basis. It is not yet clear Leendert Vlieger: ‘In principle we aren’t findings will provide insight into the what the possibilities are for opposed to the new library on the Bin- problems for which we have to work tant that the cultural character of the city removing household waste, for nengasthuis premises, although we find it together to find solutions. We think it’s centre is safeguarded by organisations example. regrettable that the plan does not provide important that the original and historical such as education institutions and muse- character of the Binnengasthuis premises ums. Everyone is talking about the disney- remains intact. That’s why we would fication of the city centre, while the cam- rather see the UB relocated to Oudeman- pus with a new library will act as a huispoort. That building is also set farther counterweight to this development. It will PUBLICATION DETAILS back from the homes that border the area, attract young people to the city and stimu- The City Centre Campus newspaper is published by which means there will be less nuisance late innovation. The plans for a new Uni- the UvA. The newspaper is distributed among local for the residents.’ versity Library are ready to be executed, residents, businesses, students and employees at the which is why I have a hard time accepting City Centre Campus. UvA Real Estate Development: 020 525 2443 Gretske de Jong: ‘Our entrepreneurs’ that it is all being pushed back yet again. [email protected] association wants an attractive city centre. The process is taking so long while the Editor: UvA Real Estate Development department An attractive city centre means everything buildings are in urgent need of mainte- Text: Frederieke Genevace from clean streets to organised events, but nance. I understand that it is important to Photography: Peter Strelitski Design: Designyard Leendert Vlieger we are also a sparring partner for the proceed carefully, but I fail to see what www.campus.uva.nl municipality. For us, it is extremely impor- will be gained by a further delay.’