The Education Centre at Erasmus Univercity MC, Rotterdam is a 2012 project by Dutch architect Claus end Kaan. The project is a work of pure beauty in white and walnut.
The Erasmus MC is a large complex that contains many different elements. Its most eye-catching feature is the white tower of the Medical Faculty, which was designed in 1965-68 by the Delft office of OD 205, right next to the Dijkzigt Hospital (built between 1952-61). Subsequently the Sophia Children’s Hospital was built and the old Dijkzigt Hospital was renovated. In 2002, the Executive Board decided to undertake a complete refurbishment with particular focus on the educational facilities. Claus en Kaan Architecten won the architectural competition which was held in 2003 to prepare a master plan.
One of the main features of the Education Centre is the monumental bookcase in the Medical Library which stands at the far end of the hall flanked by two pristine white spiral staircases. Spanning 35 m long by 11 m high: it can store 2 km of books! It stands along the wall where the hall is at its widest and includes openings at regular intervals to let the daylight through. This bookcase, the study islands, wooden furniture and wooden walls work together to make the hall a pleasant environment for students to study privately or linger with friends. The result achieved by Claus en Kaan Architecten in both the master plan and the finer interior details reflects their great understanding of the human interaction with the space.
Various FSC-certified American walnut walls, floors and furniture add a stylish quality to the bright new Education Centre at the heart of Rotterdam’s Erasmus University Medical Training Centre.
Images courtesy of Bart Gosselin
