Where in Zuidas
The two sections of the new VU Amsterdam research building reached their highest point in May 2022. The front of the building was completed later that year. In the summer of 2024, the building will begin to be used for education and research within the Health & Life Sciences theme at VU Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit). But that is all in the future. The year 2023 will be devoted to completing the interior of the building – where there are already interesting things happening.
Low vibration
In the VU Amsterdam research building, graduating students will work with researchers using state-of-the-art lasers, electrons and microscopes on high-precision scientific research. In addition to the taller section, boasting twelve floors and partially fitted out as offices, the building also features a low-vibration section of six floors of laboratories. The creation of an additional shield of diaphragm walls surrounding the basement structure ensures that research results are not affected by external vibrations – for example from passing trams in De Boelelaan.
Installation density
The building differs from many other buildings because of its high installation density. In a ‘normal’ building intended for housing or offices, for each cubic metre of space for systems and installations (central heating boilers, meter cupboards, cables and pipelines), there are approximately twice as many cubic metres for other types of use (office, living room). Because of the need for so many technical installations for the laboratories in the VU Amsterdam research building, that ratio has effectively been completely reversed.
Pure air
In the office accommodation on the De Boelelaan side, partition walls and doors are being installed and most areas have been carpeted. Only the office furniture needs to be added. Several offices have also been fitted with air-conditioning systems. This not only provides the offices with heating and cooling, but also completely purifies the air at least three times per hour. Even stricter criteria apply for laboratories – the air in a lab must be ventilated at least six times per hour.
Demolition of Mathematics and Physics building
The VU Amsterdam research building is set to be the new home for the physics, neurosciences and earth sciences departments. Together with the o|2 Lab Building and the New University Building, it is replacing the outdated Mathematics & Physics building on the VU campus. The finishing work on the interior will be completed in the course of 2023. In the summer of 2023, the City of Amsterdam will begin to relandscape the public space around the building. The building is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2024. Lecturers, researchers and staff are expected to begin using the building in the summer of 2024.
Give your opinion