City Centre Campus

ISSUE 1 | FEBRUARY 2016

Laboratory Students and Student association for Theatre Studies back in the BG premises p. 2 listed buildings p. 4 are important to the city p. 3

City Centre Campus vital to the UvA’s image

also wishes to contribute to this. Oudemanhuispoort, It is a rustic recreational area, in the historic heart of the UvA contrast to the busy Rokin and Red Light District. I’d like to see plenty of courtyards.’ The university will be prominently represented in the area by all of the students and employees, and of course, the residents will also be part of the local ambience. It will not be an area with a lot of tourists. Gerard describes it as ‘a haven where you can catch your breath after the hectic pace of Dam Square and the Red Light District.’ According to Cees, the decisions regarding the detailed make-up of the campus should be based on the vision of the City Centre Campus as a showpiece for the UvA.

Decisions at the area level If it was up to the three direc- tors, the choice facing the The decision has been made: the City Centre Campus is coming. The Faculty of Heart of the UvA academic community would be Humanities (FGw) and the University Library (UB) will be located there, possibly Cees sees the City Centre between two detailed scenarios alongside the executive staff. In this item, Maria Heijne (UvA/AUAS Library), Campus as the crowning glory including extra UvA-wide func- of all the campuses. ‘This tions, including solid financial Gerard Nijsten (Director of Operational Management at FGw) and Cees van der campus can become the central underpinning. ‘In our opinion, Wolf (Director of UvA Real Estate Development) explain what is going on. location for UvA-wide events, it’s a decision that should be as the Oudemanshuispoort is made at the area level’, says The main occupants of the ‘The City Centre Campus Potential traditionally viewed as the heart Maria. Key issues regarding campus will be Humanities The development of a second of the UvA. It’s a real gem. The the decision include (amongst and the University Library. adds value to the scenario is due in part to the UvA is already in discussion with ­others): Are we prepared to Furthermore, a number of other entire UvA.’ events of 2015 (occupation of parties who wish to establish make investments in quality? functions may well be added the Maagdenhuis, ed.). Maria themselves in or around this to the campus’s programme, Maria Heijne and Gerard describe the addi- ‘University District’.’ He explains such as an area for the Board, a tion of extra functions within that in recent years, the UvA Further conference room, more space both scenarios as ‘evolving has worked towards the realisa- ­information for events and an Aula for the programme, two scenarios have insight’. ‘All developments in tion of four open city campuses. conferral of doctorates. ‘The been elaborated into a prelimi- 2015 have resulted in a broader The City Centre Campus is the The University of Amsterdam­ vibe of the City Centre Campus nary design. One scenario is the perspective’, says Maria. After fourth and last of these. ‘This is building its City Centre will be much more UvA than current situation, in which the all, the City Centre Campus assumes financial, intrinsic and Campus in and around the just FGw or UB’, says Gerard. University Library is located on is the most vital campus with moral solidarity between all Binnengasthuis premises, And according to Maria, this the Binnengasthuis premises, regard to the UvA’s image. faculties, as was the case with the one of the UvA’s four open will ensure that the campus adds while in the other, the UB is sit- Gerard: ‘Universities are often other campuses that have already city campuses. By clustering value to the UvA as a whole. In uated in the Oudemanhuispoort visually represented by a num- been built: the Amsterdam related academic disciplines, addition to the expansion of the premises. ber of historic buildings linked Science Park and Roeterseiland the UvA hopes to ­streng- to the university’s history. complex.’ then ties within the universi- For the UvA, that means the ty and encourage collabora- Oudemanhuispoort, amongst Energy neutral tion both within the institu- other buildings. Up to now, ‘What is the goal? In a num- tion and beyond with com- the City Centre Campus may ber of years, the City Centre panies, authorities and civil well have been viewed as the Campus will be the place to be society organisations. The location for FGw and the UB, for students’, says Cees. ‘It cov- City Centre­ Campus will be but it has greater potential: it ers an area that is greater than the home base of the Faculty­ represents the UvA as a whole.’ those around the Oudeman­ of Humanities and the Cees: ‘We are examining how huis­poort and Binnengasthuis ­University Library. we can optimally use the City premises. We are also striving Centre Campus location. And to achieve energy neutrality, for www.campus.uva.nl the rethink means we now have example, by using geothermal The Faculty of Humanities: The main Follow us on Twitter occupant of the City Centre Campus the opportunity to incorporate heating, which will significantly @UVABinnenstad (photo: conservation and restoration) the lessons learned from other reduce accommodation costs. campuses.’ The Municipality of Amsterdam CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

Are the accommodation costs in proportion to the effective facilita- Henk Danner, lecturer of professional practice, tion of education, research and Theatre Studies valorisation? In short, the main question is ‘what would be the most effective and future-proof campus design?’

Delay The scenarios must be formulated into a preliminary design to enable the academic community to make the right choice. Therefore, the start of construction – which was previously scheduled for 2016 – will be delayed. However, according to Cees, the UvA can still achieve the original prognosis (completion of the entire City Centre Campus by 2023/25, ed.) ‘We are currently investing extra time in solid prepa- ration together with the academic community, local residents and the municipality. Proper preparation includes matters such as setting up a programme of requirements and applying for permits, in order to enable construction to begin in 2018. We are striving to ensure efficient execution for all parties Laboratory for Theatre Studies concerned throughout the entire area, taking care of everything in ‘The American Professor Benjamin ‘Our doors are open to all.’ learning the theatrical process. For this one go.’ Hunningher believed that students reason, we do not advertise the perfor- of Theatre Studies should develop Henk Danner mances.’ Once the FGw is located on the Vacant buildings ‘dramatic imagination’. For this rea- City Centre Campus, Henk believes that The region needn’t fear a huge son, upon his appointment to the UvA more cross-pollination will take place. number of vacant buildings. in the 1960s, he demanded a theatre ‘We will collaborate­ and exchange much Gerard: ‘We are doing everything to enable students to experience the students, then it is used for other purposes more because everyone will be close by. we can to prevent this. We owe this theatre process in practice. And he got such as conferences and lectures provided We already have a close connection with not only to the residents, but also to his way’, says Henk Danner, lecturer by the Faculty of Humanities (FGw) Special Collections since they acquired the employees that are already there, of professional practice in Theatre or other sections of the UvA. At the the collection of the TIN (Netherlands such as Art History, Cultural ­Studies and stage manager of the moment, the Amsterdam-based theatre Theatre Institute). Our students make Studies, Special Collections and the ­University Theatre. group De Toneelmakerij are rehearsing intensive use of this collection.’ Allard Pierson Museum. And this is here for a youth-theatre production that not to mention the employees that Theatre Studies at the UvA is the only will later be performed at the Bellevue Freek de Jonge will be moving to the Bushuis and full-time programme in the Netherlands Theatre on the Leidseplein. Our students Theatre is connected with society. For this the Oost-Indisch Huis in the next with its own theatre. The theatre on the are attending the rehearsals to learn from reason, Henk is extremely happy with the few months. For example, on the Nieuwe Doelenstraat is the students’ the- them.’ idea of an open city campus, which ground floor of the former Service atrical home. ‘Here, we study the theory intermingles the university with the city. and Information Centre, ‘Vox-pop’ and practice of theatre performance.’ Cross pollination ‘For example, cabaret performer Freek de will soon be set up, featuring ‘Although it is primarily a classroom, Jonge has been appointed an Honorary ‘pop-up’ initiatives such as exhibi- Laboratory our doors are open to all. Our students’ Fellow of our faculty. He gives classes and tions and lectures organised by The theatre is primarily intended as a productions always play to a packed lectures and we discuss his work. Many of students, employees and local lecture room and laboratory for Theatre house of family and friends. It’s not the issues he writes about directly relate to residents. Studies. ‘If it is not being used by our about the final product, it’s all about themes within Humanities.’

‘It’s especially nice to see colleagues more often as it facilitates collaboration’

Alice Taatgen (right) and ‘It’s pleasant, fresh and clean but it hadn’t been renovated for each other’, says Alice, who now her colleague Sanne Frequin here and the facilities are 30 years. I’m very positive about orders books and has them in the attic at BG2 excellent. However, no longer our new start here. It’s especially delivered to Special Collections. having our own library is a nice to see our colleagues from ‘I pick them up from there, as it’s great shame.’ Cultural Studies more often’, says much closer than the Singel.’ And We spoke to Alice Taatgen, a Alice. According to Sanne, this what else do they miss? ‘The PhD student in Art History also greatly facilitates collabora- porter at the Herengracht. He and one of the first people to tion. ‘And it’s inspiring to know always knew exactly who was in move into the revamped what everyone else is doing.’ the building­ and who wasn’t. It building on the Turfdraagster- was a real personal touch. Now pad in August. Learning environment everything is done with machines ‘I’ve got no time for people and entry passes.’ Together with her colleague complaining’, says Alice. ‘The Sanne Frequin, a lecturer and only problems have been minor fellow PhD student in Art side issues. The computers were Complaints History, they ‘reside’ in the attic, already working by the time we which is the showpiece of the moved here in August. Sanne: Since the BG2 premises were new home of Art History and ‘Any problems were dealt with opened, a number of com- Cultural Studies. ‘All of the PhDs straight away – presumably a lot plaints have been made due are together in one big room. At has been learned from previous to technical malfunctions.­ first, we were worried that this relocations.’ Thankfully, most of the would cause friction, but that ­problems were dealt with hasn’t been the case.’ Library quickly. For more complex However, they do miss having problems, temporary or per- Inspiring their own library. ‘At the premises ‘Of course, the old building on on the Singel, our books are now manent solutions were sought the Herengracht was our home. divided between four dusty in consultation with the users. It was a wonderful old building locations that are far away from CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENTS

gw

SITUATIE VOORJAAR 2016 b City Centre Campus map Situation spring 2016 ht A 16 17 Further ud Home base for the Faculty of Humanities (FGw) Oudezijds Achterbur l Rokin 15 information and the University Library (UB) Sint Agnietenstr . 1 Media and Culture Studies (FGw) Do you have any loveniersburgwa 2 Art History and Cultural Studies K

Nes (Faculty of Humanities) oorburgwal Rusland questions or remarks 3 Temporary location of VOX POP and UvA w 14 about the development Real Estate Development/AUAS Develop- b

ment Office: future location of FGw Oudezijds V h of the City Centre

5 Future location of FGw s 6 6 Oudemanhuispoort: Future location of Campus?

UB/FGw OudezijdsO Achterburgwal 7 Allard Pierson Museum 8 Special Collections Library If so, contact area Grimburgwal 9 Future location of UB/FGw 13 5 manager Thomas 10 University Theatre 1 2 11/12 Temporary location of FGw/future purpose 3 Vernooy via e-mail Turfdraagsterpad Kloveniersburgwal to be determined later (omgevingsmanager- g 13 Amsterdam Academic Club Vendelstraat nb 14 Agnietenkapel 7 Binnengasthuisstraat [email protected]) or by Groenburgwal 9 Groenburgwal 15 Spinhuis: Future location of an external Oude T phone (020 - 525 2443). academic institution Kalverstraat 9 16 Oost-Indisch Huis: Temporary location of FGw urfmarkt Rokin 8 Staalstraat 17 Bushuis: Temporary location of FGw 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

Students and listed buildings are important to the city ‘The UvA and its students bring life and balance to the city’, Aart Oxenaar (right) and Paul Rosenberg explains Aart Oxenaar, Director of Listed Buildings and Archaeology (MenA) for the Municipality of Amsterdam. We spoke to him and MenA’s listed-building adviser Paul Rosenberg about the UvA’s heritage conservation.

Amsterdam is home to no fewer than 9,000 listed buildings. The UvA is one of the primary owners of listed buildings in the city, with historic premises in the Binnengasthuis, Roeterseiland complex and Amstel Campus areas. ‘The importance of listed buildings is immense’, says Aart. ‘Buildings make the city’s history visible. Listed buildings contribute to the allure of the city and historic city centres are more successful economically. People live, study and work there with great pleasure, and the tourists love them!’

Give and take Paul explains that students are important to the balance of a city. ‘They bring neighbourhoods to life. Look at the impulse that Science Park gave to the Indische Buurt neighbourhood. Students also create new cultural heritage. Examples of this are the Wibautstraat, which is now a trendy area with the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, the Volkskrant building and Club Trouw. We therefore would like to preserve the educational function of listed buildings. However, this isn’t easy. A lot of give and take is needed in order to comply with all of the requirements set by the municipality, the UvA and the fire service. The UvA has to constantly check that restrictions stemming from listed-building status are not excessively hindering employees and students. In many parts of the Roeterseiland Campus, we were able to find a solution. For example, we converted the old chemistry lab on the Nieuwe Prinsengracht into a site for behavioural sciences research.’

Long-term vision ‘One of our most important tasks is to process 1,000 construction applications each year’, says Aart. ‘No listed building is sacred. After all, buildings must always undergo work to maintain the quality. We advise and guide people during this process. In developing the vision of the city campuses, the UvA has established a long-term strategy. This greatly facilitates consultation regarding heritage conservation over the next 50 years. In our opinion, the renovation and restoration of the former CREA building on the Binnengasthuis premises is a prime example of this. If this kind of quality is applied to the rest of the City Centre Campus, then we’ll be very happy. Humanities is also very fitting for this historic part of the city, as there used to be a monastery and a hospital here.’

New UB For the last five years, the Listed Buildings and Archaeology department has been intensely involved in the planning of the new University Library. Paul: ‘The existing buildings will be given a new purpose. The roof built over the courtyard garden has made it a really ground-breaking design. It’s a great result that very many people are happy with.’ What do they think of the alternative plan to house the UB in Oudemanshuispoort? Aart: ‘That may look easy, but you’d have to start all over again, hold new talks and develop new plans. That’d be a huge waste of time and effort.’ BRIEF MESSAGES Study association Off-Screen back Vacant property on the Binnengasthuis premises management

Via VOX POP, which will be loca- Milan Peters (left) ted in the round building on the and Job Wessels in Binnengasthuis premises (BG3) their office as of January, the UvA offers stu- dents, employees, local residents and other parties an opportunity to make use of empty rooms for debates, exhibitions, lectures, film evenings and other such activities. The projects are temporary, and centre around the humanities. For more information, visit www.voxpop-bg. humanities.uva.nl. The UvA Real Estate Development Depart- ment also moved into the round building on the Binnengasthuis premises (BG3) in January. Furthermore, via Ad Hoc (a vacant-property management agency, ed.), small creative ­businesses have set up shop in empty buildings on the City ­Centre Campus. Together with ‘We organise activities outside the confines of the lecture halls.’ This year, Family the local area, the UvA is looking ‘Off-Screen is a family’, says for other ways to make use of Job Wessels and Milan Peters, students of Media and Culture, became board members of the study association Off-Screen. We spoke to them in their Job. ‘So to bring us together, we temporarily vacant property. hold a drinks reception in the office on Turfdraagsterpad 9, beside the renovated Art History and Cultural Atrium Café every Monday. We Studies building. had to temporarily leave the Binnengasthuis premises as it Chairman Job describes his such as drinks receptions, trips ‘Our study association was causing disruption for local KNAW association as a group of highly and festivals. For example, residents. However, in close professional and highly creative Milan is responsible for the builds bridges consultation with the neigh- The renovation of both the Oost- people. ‘Our goal is to make Media and Teaching Activities between the bours, the UvA and the owners Indisch Huis and the Spinhuis students feel welcome. For this Committee. ‘We organise visits of the Atrium Café, we made premises is nearly complete.­ reason, we want to make every- to TV programmes such as De university and the city.’ new agreements. From now on,

­These buildings will be used thing as accessible as possible. Wereld Draait Door, Pauw, and two or three board members Job Wessels by the Faculty of Humanities. We also believe that students Jinek, as well as to newspaper are responsible for keeping the Furthermore, the UvA is current- should connect with society, offices.’ They create all of the peace. They walk around and ly in talks with the KNAW (Royal and these activities help them promotional material for the have a quiet word with people Netherlands Academy of Arts get to know the city. In this events, including professional Campus will be ‘an amazing site if necessary. Our initial experi- and Sciences), which would also way, our study association aftermovies. for Media and Culture’ in the ences have been positive.’ builds bridges between the heart of Amsterdam, where it’s like to establish itself here. university and the city.’ Future all happening. They are certain Off-Screen is the study association Once the entire FGw is located that the location will attract for Media & Culture and Media & De Wereld Draait Door on the campus, they also wish new students. ‘The future is Information. With 1,150 members, it As well as discounts on books to collaborate with other study promising’, says Job. ‘Just look is the largest study association in the and theatre performances in the associations and organise inter- at the Cultural Studies building: Faculty of Humanities. For more Physical environ- city, the association also organ- disciplinary activities. Milan and a beautiful and historic exterior information and aftermovies, visit ment permit for UB ises countless other activities Job think that the City Centre with a hypermodern interior.’ www.offscreen.nl

The physical environment permit INTRODUCING… for the construction of the new UB on the Binnengasthuis premi- ses – including the zoning-plan Ms Van der Hilst Ms Van der Hilst on her balcony change – has been granted. Work on the technical specifications of Ms Van der Hilst (86) lives on the along and take it!’ And if I see someone the designs is currently in pro- Binnengasthuisstraat and her home drop litter in the street, I’ll certainly say gress. In mid-February, another is opposite the renovated Art History something. Though in a friendly way, like notice of appeal must be submit- and Cultural Studies building. ‘I miss ‘oops, looks like you lost something there.’ ted to the Council of State. the builders, but the building looks That way, the reaction is always pleas- great. Old buildings are much more ant. Personally, I don’t think much of the charming than modern buildings like boules terrain in front of the door. Dogs mine.’ seem to make more use of it than humans. I’d prefer to see this courtyard made into PUBLICATION DETAILS ‘During the holidays, it’s quiet and boring. a public garden with benches – that’d be The City Centre Campus newspaper is I’m happy that the students are back. nice for both students and residents. And published by the UvA. The newspaper is distributed among local residents, The more life in the area, the better. I it’d attract a nice mix of people. businesses, students and employees suppose it’s because I used to live on the at the City Centre Campus. UvA Real Zwaneneburgwal, on the waterfront. It The renovation work didn’t inconven- Estate Development: 020 525 2443 – [email protected]. was always busy there. I enjoyed watching ience me at all. On the contrary, I miss Editorial staff: UvA Real Estate Development the boats sail by and seeing all the people the builders. I often chatted to them, and Department. on the streets, even at night. they would give me a hand with things Text: Frederieke Genevace sometimes. For example, they fitted a Photography Dirk Gillissen, Peter Strelitski Design: Designyard When the weather’s nice, I like to sit on really useful shelf to my mobility scooter. www.campus.uva.nl my balcony and poke my nose into eve- However, I’m glad that the hoardings and ryone’s business! If a student only locks the bicycle-parking facilities are gone. up his back wheel, I shout at him ‘lock up It was starting to look like a bike shed the front one too or someone will come around here.’