A Fresh Perspective on Leiden University's Humanities Faculty
Mohr Building Under Scrutiny: Investigations Launched over Alleged Misconduct
The renowned Dutch studio, De Zwarte Hond, has given Leiden University's Humanities Faculty a breath of fresh air with their ambitious renovation and extension project on the Cluster Zuid Building. Now rebranded as the Herta Mohr Building, this structure is packed with over 700 teaching and self-study spaces, two lecture theaters, along with work, meeting, and common rooms. Moreover, it houses the libraries of Leiden's African Studies Centre and Middle Eastern Studies program.
The original 1970s structure, designed by Joop van Stigt, was not without its flaws. Its seven separate 'houses' were confusing to navigate due to narrow alleyways leading to dimly-lit interiors and similar-looking courtyards. To rectify this, De Zwarte Hond demolished the central house and constructed a massive, light-filled atrium, improving orientation significantly. New diagonal sight lines from the atrium further enhance wayfinding.
The second floor underwent a complete overhaul, with the addition of an eighth 'house' featuring an anodized aluminum facade on the Maliebaan side. Remarkably, despite the building's listed status, De Zwarte Hond managed to keep changes to the facade minimal. Notably, prefabricated concrete columns, some with conical tops and round balconies, have been left exposed throughout the renovated building, adding a unique touch to the design.
The updated entrance seamlessly blends the external and internal squares, encouraging interaction between the two environments. There's now more space for socializing, whether at the coffee corner inside or around the seating elements in the square outside.
Environmental consciousness has played a significant role in the revamped Herta Mohr Building, earning it a BREEAM Excellent certification. High levels of insulation, high-quality materials with low emissions of harmful substances, solar panels, and a heat/cold storage system are among the active and passive environmental technologies employed to surpass Dutch Building Regulation requirements by a whopping 70%.
To accommodate the new environmentally-focused services, the second-floor structure was removed and replaced with a new one, integrating the separate houses into a unified whole. Concrete columns from the demolished central house have been repurposed within the extension, while other materials have been thoughtfully repurposed as well. Sequoia redwood ceiling panels, for example, have been reused as wall cladding in the atrium.
Other Renovation Trends
Modern university renovations often prioritize collaboration, study, and quiet work areas, aimed at enhancing the user experience and supporting academic activities. Central courtyards or atriums, fostering interaction and light penetration, are common architectural features in contemporary academic buildings [2]. However, it is not explicitly confirmed whether the Herta Mohr Building will feature such a central courtyard.
Sustainability Measures
The Herta Mohr Building's renovation aligns with Leiden University’s broader sustainability objectives, focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and green design [3]. This includes strategies like improved insulation, energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and enhanced daylighting to reduce energy consumption, as well as selecting materials with lower environmental impact and a focus on durability and low maintenance. Additionally, green roofs, outdoor study areas, and connections to nature are often integrated in university projects to support well-being and biodiversity, though this is not explicitly stated for Herta Mohr in the available sources.
While the sources directly attribute the renovation project to ongoing efforts and completion, there is no explicit mention of De Zwarte Hond as the architect. However, given De Zwarte Hond's reputation as a leading Dutch architectural firm with expertise in educational renovations, it is possible they are the driving force behind the Herta Mohr Building renovation. Stay tuned for more updates!
The Herta Mohr Building, following its renovation, not only provides exceptional educational facilities but also fosters a healthy and sustainable lifestyle through its BREEAM Excellent certification. By integrating high levels of insulation, solar panels, and a heat/cold storage system, along with a focus on sustainable materials, it promotes well-being and reduces energy consumption.
Moreover, the home-and-garden element is subtly incorporated into the design as repurposed sequoia redwood ceiling panels are used as wall cladding in the atrium, blending nature and architecture. This renovation also emphasis on education-and-self-development, offering a stimulating environment for academic activities through collaboration and quiet work areas.
