Understanding Society

Tilburg University has been a reliable provider of high-quality education and research for more than eighty years. We specialize in the social sciences and humanities and we seek to make a structural contribution to society.

Inspirational learning and working environment: Cobbenhagenbuilding

cobbenhagengebouw
Photo: Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed

Architecture

The main building, grandly monumental by Dutch standards, has always exuded an aura of modesty. Originally a country house surrounded by woods, the university complex became visible much later, when the high-rise extension was added. The building reflects a long walk through a varied range of experiences. Monastery-like hallways, exceptional patios and light that enters in various ways, are characteristic for the building. The most unique aspect of the design by architect Jos Bedaux is that all the main rooms (auditorium, lecture rooms) have been built away from the façade. Patios and rooms are neatly arranged within the confines of the building, and all the space around them flows into one without partitioning for corridors or foyer.
Cobbenhagengebouw

Photo: Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed

Sustainability

Sustainability was an important aspect of the renovation process in 2012. Huge advances have been made on energy saving in particular. Daylight regulation, water-saving toilet systems, double glazing on courtyard windows, presence detection, and LED lighting have a big effect. Sedum plants now cover the roof. This provides better insulation in summer and winter, better discharge of rainwater and contributes to natural diversity by enlarging the living environment for animals and plants.
cobbenhagengebouw

Photo's: Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed

Cobbenhagen

The Cobbenhagen Building was named after one of the founders of the Roomsch Katholieke Handelshoogeschool (the predecessor of Tilburg University), priest and scientist Martinus Cobbenhagen. Cobbenhagen was Professor of General Theory and History of Economics from 1929 to 1954. During these years, Cobbenhagen left his own personal mark on the program. He was the first professor in the Netherlands to highlight the link between economic practice and ethics. Even today, this realization is one the basic principles underlying our university’s identity.