Spectacular atrium canopy respectfully connects 'old and new'

A new University Library is being built in downtown Amsterdam. To this end, an open court between two monumental buildings from 1900 will be covered with a spectacular steel atrium roof. Old and new will be connected in a respectful way, leaving the monumental parts intact and visible from the atrium. The steel structure not only connects the monumental buildings, but also has a number of important sustainability functions.

To strengthen mutual ties within the university community and encourage cooperation, the University of Amsterdam is developing so-called open campuses. For example, an inner-city campus for the Faculty of Humanities is currently being realized on the Binnengasthuisterrein, which includes a prominent role for the University Library of more than 12,000 m². A special public place where soon hundreds of students and employees of the University of Amsterdam as well as residents of the inner city will study, work and live every day. 

MVSA, in collaboration with Architectural Firm J. Van Stigt, is responsible for the design of the new University Library. "The assignment involves the redevelopment of two monumental buildings on the Binnengasthuisterrein into the new University Library, namely the Second Surgical Clinic and the Nurse's House, and includes the construction of a bicycle basement, a new building section and a new atrium canopy," lists Harry van den Berg, senior architect at MVSA. "The spectacular atrium canopy forms one of the largest interventions in the design and is positioned between the two monumental buildings with different roof heights. By having the power transfer take place centrally in the heart of the old courtyard, the monumental facades remain intact and free of steel facilities. This was the starting point for the design. It refers to a plant leaf that extends over the existing eaves. The tessellation is reminiscent of leaf veins."

Besides covering the courtyard, Van den Berg says the atrium canopy also has several sustainability functions. "The canopy is somewhat lower in the middle, so that rainwater is collected in the middle and drained into a basin via a beautiful construction. That is then used again as a gray water circuit to flush toilets. The atrium canopy also creates a semi-indoor climate that reduces the loss of energy through the former exterior walls. It makes the landmark buildings a little more sustainable. And in the middle of the atrium canopy construction, we elegantly incorporated a rising point, as well as mezzanine floors (study areas) and walkways to the existing buildings. In doing so, we encourage students upon entry to use the stairs rather than the elevators, which are positioned out of sight as much as possible."

The spectacular atrium canopy was fully parametrically designed by MVSA, and the forces were analyzed entirely in 3D. "Partly as a result, we managed to save 30% on steel usage," Van den Berg emphasizes. "The atrium canopy is currently under construction on site, having first been built to full size at Buiting Staalbouw's factory to ensure that everything fits during assembly." 

Prior to this, a basement was built under the Second Surgical Clinic and the courtyard with space for 950 bicycles and a multipurpose room that will soon play a central role in the logistics of the building. Finally, there will also be a new section at the corner of Nieuwe Doelenstraat and Binnengasthuisstraat, a building that will be constructed in steel and fitted with a 3D printed screen facade. The screen makes the new use of the building visually visible to its surroundings and 'illustrates' the first sentence of Martinus Nijhoff's poem 'Awater'. 'Just read, it doesn't say what it says' is translated into the 24 languages and 6 scriptures in which the UvA teaches. The display thus makes a wonderful connection to the UvA and the literary collection that will be in the University Library.