Circluation at OMA's Educatorium

While Mandy has posted previously about the Educatorium building, which was designed by OMA and is located in the Netherlands on the Utrecht University, campus, I wanted to focus on the unique circulation of the building and how it compares to that of OMA's Kunsthal museum in Rotterdam. At best, the entry and exit scheme of the Kunsthal is a miserable failure, with the main entry and exit confined to a tiny portal crammed with confused museum-goers. Apparently, the architects never anticipated an exhibit of animatronic dinosaurs and the crowds of pre-adolescent youths (with parents in tow) that it would attract.

In a similar way, the Educatorium seeks to guide entry and exit through it design, but whereas the Kunsthal just results in a mess, the flow of students into and out of this building creates a visible and audible sense of life and vitality without the giant traffic jam.

Creative Materials Selection

Designers are always on the look out for new and interesting ways to use materials in a project. Within the walls of the Educatorium, on the campus of the University of Utrecht, OMA used a translucent boundary between two floors to create visual interest, as well as tension between the bustling level of students above, and the quiet corner underneath. On the upper floor, students and faculty busily make their way between classes or socialize in the halls, unable to see the students beneath because of the lighting and their own reflection. Simultaneously, students in the darkened hallway beneath are able to look up and see the movement of those above, thus creating a dialouge between public and private spaces within the building.

Sara Anrrich

Minnaert Building : University center De Uithof : Utrecht

Completion : 1997
Program : 9.000 SM
Cost : 10.000.000 Euro

Completed in 1997, the Minnaert Building (MAP) was designed by Neutelings Riedijk Architecten. They were challenged to craft a building that "must be realized within ecological planning constraints - to be specific, a compact built form, ecologically sound materials, natural ventilation, heat recovery, high-frequency lighting, water-saving systems and an environment-friendly restaurant."

One of the visible solutions to these requirements is the use of water collected to cool off the building. Rainwater collected on the roof is collected in the pool in the main hall. The water mass self-regulates the building temperature without the need for additional heating systems; heating is required for only the first day after winter break to resume the internal heating + cooling cycle.

From Utrecht Central Station, take Bus 11 towards Uithof/WKZ. Exit the bus at the "Botanical Gardens" Stop, just after you pass the striking Minneart Building to your left. Use your time on Campus to explore some of the other great contemporary architecture, such as the Campus Library and the Edutorium.

Directions courtesy of Galinksy