ID College and ROC Leiden offer secondary vocational training and education.
The new build location in the historic city centre of Leiden accommodates the vocational education for students in healthcare.
The complexity and historical nature of the inner city site required a thorough analysis in order to developed a design vision which reconciled these aspects within the brief. The integrated approach in which architecture, urban planning, landscape, interior design and engineering converge results in a unique design.
Strengthening structure and identity
The design reflects the character of the site, whilst strengthening the structure and identity of Leiden’s historical centre. The new building for ID College and ROC Leiden has a modest appearance, befitting its context. Varying volumes and functions are unified behind a coherent brick facade.
The former post office building has been integrated into the new facility and remains recognisable as an independent building. The various departments are connected by alleys and three courtyards, each with their own unique identity. There is a courtyard for the teaching staff, one for the students and a public courtyard in the form of an atrium.
Part of the city
A central alley runs through the complex, connecting the Breestraat to Boommarkt and passing through the atrium. The transparent facades allow passers-by to view practice rooms and other public functions from the street and the atrium. This orientation of views from public to private provides a safe atmosphere for the students and staff.
Anticipating changing needs
The ID College facilities are designed with flexibility in mind and facilitate the latest developments in teaching methods. The building has been arranged to anticipate new forms of education and changing needs for space and layouts.
The multifunctional layout can accommodate different individual and collective uses and includes workspaces for data collection, group work spaces, and common rooms for social interaction. Source by Mecanoo.
- Location: Breestraat, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Architects: Mecanoo
- Structural engineer: Croes Bouwtechnisch Ingenieursbureau, Nijmegen
- Mechanical and electrical engineer: K&R Consultants, Apeldoorn Advisor acoustics, building physics, sust
- Development partner and contractor: GiesbersGroep, Wijchen
- Client: ID College, Leiden
- Area: 10,000 m2 (8,100 m2 new built and 1,900 m2 integration of a monument)
- Year: 2016
- Photographs: Courtesy of Mecanoo
