Utrecht University starts design phase of circular faculty building for Veterinary Medicine
With the start of the design phase for the new faculty building for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University makes an important step in the transformation of USP East towards a future-proof and sustainable campus. The building will become an example of circular constructing and embodies the ambition of Utrecht University to put sustainability and innovation into practice.
A sustainable transformation for the future
The new faculty building will replace the outdated Martinus G. de Bruin Building (MGB), the Androclus Building and Nieuw Gildestein, and will be realised at the current location of the MGB. By means of supply-oriented design, materials from the current MGB are reused in the new construction. This circular approach minimises the impact on the environment, such as CO₂ emissions, and links up with the goal of Utrecht University to develop sustainable solutions. With the dismantling of these outdated buildings and the realisation of a future-proof faculty building, the university makes an important step in the broader transformation of USP East into a campus which stimulates innovation and collaboration.
“This project shows how we as a university not only teach sustainability, but also apply it,” says Vice President of the Executive Board Margot van der Starre. “With this building, we create an inspiring environment which contributes to the health of humans, animals and the environment, and provide a future-proof foundation for education and research.”
A store front of what Veterinary Medicine has to offer
DP6 architecture studio and Vakwerk Architecten have been selected based on their unique way of supply-oriented design and analysis of the task. An important part of this analysis is the spatial ‘Life Cabinet’. DP6: “We see the heart of the building as an inviting window displaying what Veterinary Medicine has to offer. The building will be a place where science, education and society come together and where interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged.”
“It will be a building that breathes Veterinary Medicine,” says Debbie Jaarsma, dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. “With this project, we not only realise a sustainable and innovative learning and working environment for our students and staff, but also a place where we can further grow our expertise for a healthy world of tomorrow.”
Translation to design
With the start of the design phase, the Programme of Demands is worked out and translated into a design by Team DP6 together with UU. In this process, circular principles are worked out further. The preliminary design is expected to be completed late this year.
The start of the design phase is a milestone in the transformation of USP East and the realisation of the sustainable goals of Utrecht University. This project underlines the role of the university as a pioneer in the fields of circular construction and sustainable innovation.
Want to know more?
Read more about the transformation of the Utrecht Science Park and Utrecht University’s sustainable ambitions on Campus Development.
Looking back at the successful Utrecht Science Park Spring Café: the power of an ecosystem in setting up and running a startup
On Thursday, April 9, the Utrecht Science Park Spring Café took place at UtrechtInc. In an informal setting, colleagues, partners, and stakeholders gathered to meet and catch up on developments within the Utrecht Science Park.
Utrecht Science Week: Art and science unite at the Betweter Festival on 25 September
From 25 September to 4 October, the Utrecht Science Park will be alive with curiosity and exploration during the annual Utrecht Science Week. For over a week, the Utrecht Science Park opens its doors to everyone interested in both applied and fundamental science. In close collaboration with various partners, a diverse programme is put together, with special focus on themes such as sustainability and health.
Inspiring and connecting visit by the President of Estonia to Utrecht Science Park
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the President of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis, together with his wife Sirje Karis, ambassador Mr. Paul Teesalu and a delegation from the Estonian Health Ecosystem, visited the Utrecht Science Park. During the visit, much knowledge was exchanged and valuable connections were made.