In the middle of campus Woudestein stands the Tinbergen Building. It is a municipal monument that has been in use since 1968. Now that most of Tinbergen Building's technical installations are past their useful life and no longer comply with current legislation, for example in terms of working conditions and energy consumption, it is time to renovate this striking building.
Focus on sustainability
Erasmus University Rotterdam aims to be one of the most sustainable universities in The Netherlands. The renovation of Tinbergen Building is an important part of improving the sustainability of campus Woudestein.
Every renovation is an opportunity to become more sustainable. The renovation of Tinbergen Building seizes this opportunity with both hands: the renovation ensures a more efficient use of energy through the use of double glazing, solar panels, energy-efficient installations, natural ventilation and sustainable materials.
Study areas, workplaces and catering from mid-2026
With the new design by architectural firm Cepezed from Delft, the building will house modern office and education facilities, plenty of good study places and catering facilities. It will be a pleasant place for students and staff as well as guests of Erasmus University Rotterdam.
In mid-2026, Tinbergen will (re)open its doors. Then students and staff can again make the best use of the facilities in teaching and doing research.
Impressions
Ellen van Schoten
"Step by step, our campus is becoming more sustainable and future-proof. When renovating Tinbergen Building, we will switch to insulated glazing, install solar panels and use sustainable materials. This will allow us to save a lot of energy in this building too."
College van Bestuur
Frequently asked questions
Tinbergen Building is about 55 years old. Most technical installations, such as the climate, evacuation and fire alarm systems, are past their useful life and no longer comply with current legislation, for example in terms of working conditions and energy consumption. Furthermore, the building no longer meets today's educational demands and requirements. The current building consists largely of smaller office spaces, whereas there is a need for flexible spaces. A renovation is therefore necessary.
As Erasmus University Rotterdam, we also have an ambitious sustainability programme. The renovation of Tinbergen Building also contributes to this. The new building, for instance, will have better roof and floor insulation, energy-efficient lift installations and solar panels on the roof.
Tinbergen Building, inaugurated in 1968, is a unique building that is part of the identity of both Erasmus University and the city of Rotterdam. The building was designed by architect Cornelis Elffers. It still exudes the atmosphere of brutalist functionalism, a movement in architecture known for its rawness: something that suits Rotterdam very well. Not for nothing has the building been designated a municipal monument.
In the building we are creating a pleasant and stimulating environment in which to work and study. There will be modern classrooms with the latest audiovisual equipment and more and better study areas in the building. In addition, there will be many plants and trees both inside and outside for a healthy and pleasant working environment.
We are trying to minimise the inconvenience to students and staff as much as possible. We will inform everyone through various channels (including MyEUR) about the construction work and indicate whether this will lead to alternative walking routes on campus. We expect that there will be little noise pollution, as the renovations will take place mainly inside Tinbergen Building. In addition, the construction site will be completely closed off from the rest of campus. In any case, we will make every effort not to disrupt teaching and research.
The lower six floors will house teaching rooms and study areas. The remaining floors will have offices with different users. Erasmus School of Economics, as the main user - as before the building was closed - will have access to several floors. On the top two floors there will be teaching rooms and a restaurant with a view of all of Rotterdam.
Curious about the new interior? Watch the photo album with impressions above.
The schedule now is for the renovated building to open its doors in mid-2026. We are currently in a bidding process for choosing a contractor. If we complete this procedure successfully, the contractor will be able to start work in the second quarter of 2024. We will inform everyone through various channels (including MyEUR) about the progress of the renovation.
Erasmus University Rotterdam has the ambition to become one of the most sustainable universities in the Netherlands. Sustainability is therefore also an important aspect during construction. For example, the amount of waste is limited and separated as much as possible, and energy-efficient lighting is used during construction.
The climate crisis and ecological emergency make sustainable practices more important than ever. Erasmus University therefore wants to be one of the most sustainable universities in the Netherlands. The renovation of Tinbergen Building is an important part of making campus Woudestein more sustainable. For example, the renovated building will soon have energy-efficient elevators, solar panels on the roof and water-saving toilets. The facade, floor and roof insulation will also be improved and sustainable materials such as FSC wood will be used.
Erasmus University Rotterdam finds it important that students, staff and visitors with a mobility impairment - think of someone with a visual impairment or in a wheelchair, but also someone who has just had knee surgery - have good access to the campus and buildings, just like everyone else. Therefore, the necessary attention will also be paid to this during the renovation of Tinbergen Building. Among other things, a ramp will be built at the entrance on the Van de Mandeleplein side to replace the wheelchair plate lifts.
Questions?
- Email address
- tomorrowscampus@eur.nl
For press
- Email address
- press@eur.nl