Architects’ pitch for Student Pavilion
By 2013, Erasmus University Rotterdam aims to have realized a Student Pavilion that is to become the figurehead of Woudestein campus. For the design of this architectural eyecatcher, 37 architects’ firms have sent in a proposal for design via European tender.
EUR has selected five of these, one of which will create the eventual design. The pavilion will be an exciting mix of flexible spaces for different purposes, such as dining, working, culture, socializing and music, all with an international touch.
Woudestein’s new cultural and social heart will be multifunctional, transparent and with a low threshold. Literally and figuratively speaking. The many activities taking place there will turn it into a natural focal point. The programmatic content of the building is still under debate, but it might well look something like this:
'In the light and spacious foyer, you can put your name down for courses or symposiums, and book tickets for performances in the pavilion itself or in the centre of Rotterdam. Leading on from the foyer, there is the interactive information point with lounge corner and web spots, ideal for networking with fellow students or colleagues. The meeting spaces form an open-plan office, also convertible into workshop spaces.
The pavilion is not just for working and studying: events will also be staged there. The two multifunctional event spaces can be adapted to the different needs of each event. Here, you go to concerts, films, lectures, debates or performances. Before and after, there is the multicultural Grand Café with its relaxing atmosphere and world cuisine. On the summer terrace, you can enjoy the view on the water'.
In the meantime, the architects’ selection procedure carries on, as do the discussions on the possible functions of the Student Pavilion. By the middle of November, the five selected architects’ firms will present their designs to the contract committee. In December, the committee will decide upon the final designer. In the next newsletter, there should be more news on that.
Have you got ideas or suggestions about the programmatic content or architecture of the future Student Pavilion? Please mail them to redactie@efb.eur.nl!
