Start construction Marga Klompé Building on Tilburg University campus
On July 15, 2022, the first foundation pile went into the ground for the new educational building at Tilburg University, the Marga Klompé Building. The building, with independent study places, fourteen lecture halls, and a foyer will be constructed on the site of the former parking lot between Tias building and CUBE.
On July 15, Vice-President of the Executive Board Paulina Snijders officially announced the name of the new educational building: Marga Klompé Building, after the first female Cabinet Minister in the Netherlands. On November 25, 1982, Klompé received an honorary doctorate from Tilburg University. She inspired people with her endeavors to help build a socially conscious and meaningful society.
Paulina Snijders, Vice-President of the Executive Board: “With this choice, we want to honor the work of Marga Klompé and the social commitment that characterized her. This is reflected in the design of the building, that will be constructed with state-of-the-art sustainability, and also in its layout, with lots of space for all sorts of meetings in a warm and welcoming environment. We are thrilled that, after years of preparation and procedures, we can watch the first foundation pile go into the ground today.”
More room for talent
The new educational building is necessary because student numbers are increasing and teaching methods are changing. The design of the new building is aimed to provide an inspiring learning and working environment in which staff and students can develop themselves to their full potential. If all lecture halls and study places are occupied, the building offers enough space for approximately 1,000 students. The location of the building has been chosen as a first step to improve the connection between Tilburg University rail station, the surrounding area, and the campus. The building is expected to be ready for use around Christmas of the academic year 2023/2024.
Sustainability and circularity
The Marga Klompé Building will be almost completely energy-neutral. This means that the building generates almost all the energy it needs for its own operation, among other things, by means of solar panels, but also by applying the method of Heat and Cold Storage in the ground. Wherever possible, sustainable products and materials will be used. In addition, much attention is paid to circularity. For instance, the building has an almost completely reusable wooden load-bearing structure. In addition, the natural stone cladding will not be glued but mounted in a way that will allow it to be reused.
Unique design
This unique wooden educational building will be constructed by BAM Bouw en Techniek – Integrale Projecten Zuid. The design by Powerhouse Company fits in well with the green and natural character of the campus and the surrounding wooded area. The rhythm and shape of the windows and the natural stone cladding of the building are playful references to the modernist 1960s architecture on the campus. As a result of the use of materials like wood and natural stone, the interior breathes an atmosphere of homeliness and serenity. The Marga Klompé Building is a timeless and sustainable addition to the campus architecture at Tilburg University.
Note to editors
For more information, please contact spokesperson Imre van der Meulen at Imre.vdrMeulen@tilburguniversity.edu or (+31) (0)13 - 466 2613.