The campus is undergoing phased redevelopment until 2031, while teaching continues. Existing educational buildings are being renovated one by one, with some undergoing refurbishment and others a (structural) renovation.

The first three subprojects have been completed. The P.J. Veth building, next to the Hortus botanicus, was reopened in 2017 after extensive internal renovations. The second subproject, the internal renovation of the historic Arsenaal building, was completed in 2020. In 2024, the Herta Mohr building was delivered and is now use.

The next building set for redevelopment is the Aleida Nijland (currently Matthias de Vrieshof). The design process began in early 2025.

See the schedule of the various developments on the Humanities Campus in the coming years (PDF)

The design process for the redevelopment of the Aleida Nijland (currently Matthias de Vrieshof/Cluster Noord) is underway. The key aim is to create an attractive and recognisable space for its new occupants—a bright, welcoming environment that facilitates interaction between students and staff while also providing quiet areas for focused work.

The building will offer approximately 200 workspaces and around 60 meeting spaces. There will also be 23 rooms for lectures and seminars, as well as various lab facilities and study rooms.

Once the redevelopment is completed, the Aleida Nijland will house LUCL, part of LUCAS, staff from OSZ, the ATC, and knowledge partner INT. These stakeholders will be involved in discussions about the design and layout of the building.

According to the current timeline, a preliminary design will be presented in summer 2025, with the final design expected by December 2025. The procurement phase will take place in spring 2026, and demolition is scheduled to begin in autumn 2026. The construction phase will run from 2027 until autumn 2028, with the new Aleida Nijland set for completion by the end of 2028, after which users can move in.

Sustainability is a key focus in the redevelopment of Aleida Nijland. The building aims to achieve a BREEAM rating of 'Very Good' or higher. Sustainable features include rainwater collection and reuse, green facades and surroundings, and biodiversity enhancement. The building will use an underground thermal energy storage system (WKO) and, where feasible, solar panels. Circularity is also a priority, with existing structures retained where possible and demolition materials repurposed.

Humanities Space

In the Aleida Nijland building, a collection of labs, studios, and dedicated FGW spaces will be created for researchers and students of the faculty. The current working name for these facilities is Humanities Space. This environment is designed to stimulate, expand, and embed research. The faculty considers it essential that researchers have access to a modern digital infrastructure and the necessary resources to conduct their research.

Additionally, it is crucial that students graduating from FGW are digitally proficient and skilled in research and media in a way that reflects the flexible and significant role of the humanities in our world.

The vision for the Humanities Space is to create an environment that naturally attracts both students and researchers. From the moment they enter the building, it should be clear: this is the place to be. Walking through the space, visitors should feel inspired by the research and teaching taking place there. The design prioritises transparency while ensuring a secure environment for working and for participation in research studies. Within this setting, it is important that the functionality of the space for both students and researchers is clearly visible.

The design of the workspace for lecturers, researchers, and support staff prioritises efficient use of space. All workspaces within the Humanities Campus will comply with legal standards and university sustainability goals. The layout will be flexible to accommodate future fluctuations in staff and student numbers.

All buildings will feature a modern and comfortable working environment, with ample natural light, coffee corners, and common rooms for social interaction.

The new workspace model is based on the university's workplace standards and Activity-Based Working (ABW). Since 2014, ABW principles have been incorporated into the Humanities Campus planning. The university’s Real Estate department is implementing these standards across all faculties.

Key Principles

• The Humanities Campus will be designed in line with workplace standards. Preferences may vary between institutes, and these will be considered within spatial and budgetary constraints.
• On-campus (physical) teaching remains the foundation of our programmes. However, hybrid teaching facilities will be integrated to support high-quality online education where needed.
• Regular staff presence in our buildings remains the norm. While individual preferences vary, institutes thrive on in-person engagement. Remote work will be possible depending on job requirements, but we are investing in an attractive working environment that encourages on-campus presence.
• Investment will be made in both workspaces and communal areas. University buildings should facilitate interaction while also offering quiet spaces for focused work and meetings. The design and allocation of space will be developed in collaboration with the users of the building. Institutes will be responsible for assigning specific workspaces to staff.
• The alternative Humanities Campus will be developed in line with the Humanities Campus vision, within financial and structural constraints. The goal is to create a sustainable, future-proof campus with a strong sense of community, a pleasant study and work environment, and modern facilities. The outdoor space will be enhanced with more greenery and will be integrated into the Singelpark walking route. A central green area will serve as a meeting place for students, staff, and visitors. Teaching and research activities will continue throughout the construction process.

Sustainable buildings are a key pillar of the university’s environmental policy. While sustainable construction requires additional investment in time and money, this is offset by lower energy costs, reduced CO₂ emissions, longer building lifespans, lower maintenance costs, improved staff well-being, and reduced waste during renovations or demolition.

See how sustainability requirements and ambitions were incorporated into the redevelopment of the Herta Mohr building.

Why is the redevelopment of the current Matthias de Vrieshof and Reuvens necessary?

The buildings' structural and sustainability standards are inadequate. Doing nothing would not only increase future costs but also prevent compliance with legal requirements regarding air quality, lighting, and energy use. The university also aims to meet its own sustainability goals.

Has postponing the redevelopment been considered?

No, postponement was never a viable option. Modernising and making the university’s buildings in the Witte Singel-Doelen area more sustainable is essential for maintaining high-quality study and work facilities. Additionally, maintaining outdated buildings is costly.

How can the development of the Humanities Campus be justified in times of financial constraints?

Investing in a sustainable, future-proof, and attractive study and work environment remains crucial. However, financial considerations are being taken into account. To cut costs, the planned construction of Lipsius South has been postponed. For Aleida Nijland, a structural renovation was chosen instead of complete demolition and new construction, saving money while still achieving modernisation goals.

Why is the current Lipsius building being demolished?

The municipal council approved the zoning plan for this site last year after a long and careful process. The decision was made to demolish the building in a circular manner. In its place, a green campus hub will be created—a central, green meeting space for students and the city, which is currently lacking in this area.

Before the Lipsius demolition (currently planned for 2031), the Aleida Nijland (current Matthias de Vrieshof) and Reuvens buildings will be redeveloped. Facilities currently housed in the Lipsius building, such as large lecture halls (to be relocated to the new Reuvens) and lab spaces (to be placed in Aleida Nijland), will be accommodated elsewhere on campus. Once these developments have been completed, the Humanities Campus will have adequate space at its disposal.

Is there enough space for everyone with one less building now that Lipsius South is cancelled?

The functions originally planned for Lipsius South will be incorporated into other campus buildings. The decision not to proceed with the construction of Lipsius Zuid does mean that all campus users will have to cede some space. The projections for student numbers give us confidence that the available space will be sufficient.

Across the university, the Real Estate Expertise Centre is exploring how all the faculties and the central organisation can make optimum use of the available space.