Maastricht University: Tapijnkazerne

Maastricht University is special in terms of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and its internationally-oriented geographical location. The role that the city played in the founding of the EU has also made the university a leader in the field of multidisciplinary, European-focused research and study. This attracts a lot of students and researchers from the Netherlands and beyond. It’s no surprise, then, that the university was in need of more accommodation. The renovated Tapijn Barracks provides space for the university library, Problem-Based Learning and new learning spaces for students.

With this project, the university strove for the BREEAM-Excellent certificate. Sustainability values such as health, energy, materials, waste, ecology and pollution are important factors for this certification mark. John Claessens, account manager at Ahrend: ‘For the furnishing, this meant high-quality materials and products to ensure that everything will remain sound and functional for years to come. Circularity is also important. Ahrend has responded well to this with folding tables (Ahrend 22) and chairs from the Well Collection. Everything is modular in design and assembled from recyclable components.’

As well as sustainability, the health and well-being of the students and staff is also important. This is the first project submitted by a European university to be awarded the WELL Building Silver standard. The comfort, well-being and health of the user were central to the brief. John: ‘Ahrend attended design thinking sessions with students and staff. This allowed us to make good use of our experience and expertise in the field of vital working. As a result, we were able to make a precise selection of suitable furniture for each role.’  

How was the furnishing received? Carin Klompen, Library, Locations and Services Manager of the Maastricht University Library, has observed that the learning space with our Well chairs and Ahrend 22 folding tables are seeing intensive use. ‘The common rooms (Ahrend Balance desks, Ahrend A2020 & Ahrend A314 chairs and Hay chairs) and meeting spaces (Ahrend Balance Scrum tables and Hay chairs) are also ideal for meetings and informal consultations.’

John: ‘Thanks to thorough preliminary research and the efforts of our specialist interior architect, this client knew the specific needs of the students and staff. If you can meet these needs as a furnisher, then 1 + 1 = 3.’

This project excels in human-centric sustainability. The university even sees potential for the Tapijn Barracks as a living lab for sustainability research. Senior university lecturer and sustainable property expert Nils Kok is enthusiastic: ‘Our recent research into the effects of indoor climate on health and productivity clearly show that healthy buildings lead to better outcomes. Including well-being and health as an integral part of the development of the Tapijn Barracks underlines the importance of sustainability and health and puts our homegrown academic research directly into practice.’

‘I’ve enjoyed working with Ahrend in the past. It was great that a permanent Ahrend designer was attached to this project. This person has expertise in the field of new learning and our Problem-Based Learning; the design meets the various requirements of studying, cooperating and meeting. When I walk around here I see that all the spaces and places are always occupied and used for the activities for which they were originally intended. This project is our pride and joy! In terms of environmental and human-centric sustainability, too.’

Carin Klompen, Library, Locations and Services Manager, Maastricht University Library