Location: Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven – NL / Architect: Team V Architectuur / Project designer: FacilitylinQ / Photography: Chris van Koeverden

Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven – NL

The Eindhoven University of Technology is located in the Atlas building (former main building) on the green campus. This iconic building was designed in the 1960s by architect Samuel van Embden. He gave it an atmosphere of industry and factory. 55 years later Atlas was transformed into the most sustainable educational building of our time with the highest BREEAM score – Outstanding. The building exudes science and innovation and shows what the TU/e stands for. Special attention has been paid to climate, views, daylight perception, air quality and acoustics.

Atlas covers 11 floors with a length of 178 metres and a width of 35 metres. In order to make this immense building easy to navigate, the choice was made to divide areas vertically by colour: red, yellow and blue. By combining optimal reuse with state-of-the-art materials, the Atlas building has been transformed into an attractive, sustainable and future-proof building with an optimal climate for study, work and accommodation.

Furniture
TU/e launched a call for tenders for the supply of study benches, lounge benches, work chairs and collaborative workplaces. With the modular soft seating programme Bricks, TU/e has opted for durable and flexible quality furniture that radiates the same atmosphere across the different models. With Bricks, TU/e has created set-ups for various functions and applications. The use of different elements, bases and fabrics creates a different look without losing sight of the unity.

“Students and staff of the TU/e like the quality and diversity of Bricks.”

Bricks
Bricks is inspired by a city skyline. This resulted in clean, architectonic forms, which emphasises the horizontal line joining all elements. Bricks furniture consists of an FSC® certified wooden construction with flat steel nosag springs in the frame. Eco cold foam ensures optimum resilience in the seat and backrest. The upholstery is always durable and available in a wide range of colours and fabrics.

The production of Bricks takes place in the Netherlands and is largely carried out by hand. Bricks has a warm upholstered look which creates a pleasant atmosphere for study, work and informal consultations. The colours were selected to match the colour scheme of the building.

“Design, variation in materials, upholstery and colour were decisive in creating the right atmosphere.”

The study benches divide the open study area and also serve as a spatial and acoustic element. They are of high-quality, wear-resistant upholstery in three colours and are equipped with electrification. The lounge benches are located in central positions in the open landscape, such as the coffee corner and the student association. The corner arrangement makes the sofa suitable for relaxing, talking and reading.

The comfortable work chairs are equipped with an armrest. The chairs are therefore suitable for specific purposes such as calling and learning. The work chairs are placed near office and hallway areas.

The round, open form of the collaborative workplaces invites consultation and project-based working. The acoustic effect of the elements is extremely functional when used in an open space. The central location of the workplace creates dynamics within the space.