JK renovation: a new innovation space on Roeterseiland, opening this year
Roeterseiland campus, drone view (Image: Samir Morse)
The JK building, located on the Roeterseiland Campus, is currently being renovated. This project, initiated in 2020, will be delivered in late 2023. This effort will ensure the building functions optimally and meets regulations for the next 15 years. An 800m2 space will become the UvA’s last innovation space, focused on entrepreneurship and external collaborations.
A year ago, we met Thomas Buijs and Marita Bijlsma from ATELIERFRONT, the dynamic architecture and interior design firm working on renovating the JK building. This week, we had the opportunity to reconnect with Thomas and discuss their progress since our last encounter. Additionally, Erik, the REC Impact project leader and manager, shared with us some exciting insights on what the UvA has planned for the future of the JK building.
A necessary renovation
In progress since 2020, the renovation of the JK building is designed to meet the growing need for spaces on the Roeterseiland Campus (REC), dedicated not only to education, but also to collaboration and innovation.
“The REC campus is in dire need of additional classrooms. The goal of the renovation is to upgrade and modernize all of the building's classrooms. As part of this initiative, the UvA has allocated 800 square meters on the first floor for innovation and entrepreneurship”, explains Erik, who is responsible for coordinating the realization and execution of the REC Impact project.
“Previously, JK was an old two-story laboratory building. It felt like a maze: there were actually no corridors! However, its central location on campus, next to the waterfront, gave it huge potential. Personally, I found the building's neglected charm to be quite captivating and inspiring”, observes Thomas, co-founder of ATELIERFRONT, who worked on the new design.
What will happen in this new innovation space?
This impact space will welcome classes of teachers and students, but also companies, startups and external partners. “Everybody working on innovation or entrepreneurship at the Roeterseiland Campus can make use of the spaces. Spin-offs and startups from UvA staff and students can apply to get access to their own spots. External partners cooperating with UvA departments are also invited to use the space to host events, work, co-create, meet with students and staff or just have a coffee to meet and greet!”, Erik says.
With an opportunity to fully redesign the building, ATELIERFRONT was inspired to imagine many functional changes, which will make the building more welcoming, accommodating, inclusive, and multifunctional. “Our vision was to create multiple spaces where people come together, whether in large or intimate groups, to experiment with their ideas or collaborate in a learning environment. Our aim was to foster an atmosphere where people help each other and exchange knowledge. With the new setting, a wider range of students will have the opportunity to witness and engage in this form of collaborative and entrepreneurial education”, Thomas explains.
The future, JK entrance, relocated to the Valckenierstraat (Image: ATELIERFRONT)
What will the new JK look like?
Drawing on the existing strengths of the building, such as its central location on the Roeterseiland campus, its location by the canal, but also its interior garden, the ATELIERFRONT team wanted to grab the attention of curious onlookers and inspire them to take a look at JK and all its initiatives.
Thomas describes the new setting for the innovation place: “In the hallway, you will already feel the creativity and the productivity taking place in the entire place. From there, you will get to what we call the ‘pitch square’. It is a semi-enclosed space where people can present ideas, collaborate and organize low-impact meetings. You will find several facilities hosting startups and initiatives. There will also be this hub, where you can sit together and have a cup of coffee: the new building will be an inviting space where people can meet up. On the other side of the plan, at the waterfront, there are two bigger facilities. One is a co-working space for persons participating in the impact program. Lastly, there is the Impact Hub. The Impact Hub is a big space where 90 people can come together during events, workshops, or a full-day meet-up to discuss ideas! This space is dedicated to impact. The whole idea is that you feel the vibrancy of the activities from the get-go. People are allowed to walk in and have a feel for what's going on.”
The Pitch Square, located in the new innovation space (Image: ATELIERFRONT)
“With the new setting, a wider range of students will have the opportunity to witness and engage in this form of collaborative and entrepreneurial education. ”
Do you want to know more? Are you interested in having a role in this impactful journey?
Apply to get a spot.
On top of many opportunities for meetings, workshops, collaborations and co-working, the REC Impact space will also provide facilities for spin-offs and startups from UvA staff and students. Reach out for more information and to apply already!
If you are a student, teacher, startup, or external partner interested in learning more about the future opportunities present for you in the innovation space, do not hesitate to contact Erik at: f.boer@uva.nl
The innovation space will be ready in autumn 2023. A grand opening is planned a little later: the date is to be announced.
Visit the Roeterseiland Campus website to learn more about the latest developments in the renovation work on the Roeterseiland Campus website.
REC Impact thanks Thomas Buijs and the ATELIERFRONT team for their time and dedication to our shared goals.