C-building preparing for new lease of life
Whoever walked past building C lately has been able to witness the recent transformation of this Rotterdam monument. From what used to be windows, the sound of pneumatic drills and hammers could be heard. Through these empty sockets, vistas of bare concrete walls and stripped ceilings now shimmer. Students? Tough-looking builders instead!
Over the past 4 months, the C-building was completely cleared and stripped down to concrete and brickwork. The removal of asbestos is virtually finished. In the meantime, new speakers’ platforms are being constructed, and new glazing is being installed. The latter ensures that C will once more be able to withstand the many autumn winds and heavy downpours. The new glazing is quite hefty, which makes installing it a major operation. The new high performance windows in the southern façade are also heavy: on the square, there are a few weighing as much as 450 kilogrammes apiece.
All demolition works are now completed, resulting in vast spaces where once stood walls. What now remains to be done is removing the elevator’s rear walls and sinking several new piles.
Right now, C's façade with its freshly resealed siding is being given a good clean. Around 7 November, the first couple of interior installations, such as cable retainers and air ducts, will be reconstructed.
Impression of restoration activities of the past few months
Unobstructed view where once used to be lecture halls on the 1st floor. |
In B1, scaffolding enables the workmen to reach the ceiling. |
In halls A1, A2 and B middle section, new speakers’ platforms are being constructed. |
As we speak, lots of hard work is going on on C's façade. Windows are being replaced, and steel pipes are lying at hand for the reconstruction of the elevator and northern emergency staircases. |
