Utrecht University starts design phase of circular faculty building for Veterinary Medicine

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The new faculty building will replace the outdated Martinus G. de Bruin Building (MGB), the Androclus Building and Nieuw Gildestein, and will be realised at the current location of the MGB.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 With the dismantling of these outdated buildings and the realisation of a future-proof faculty building, the university makes an important step in the broader transformation of USP East into a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.