Start Design Phase of project Uniek

Utrecht University has given the green light for the design phase of the ambitious project Uniek, a large-scale redevelopment of the Van Unnik building and surrounding areas in the Utrecht Science Park. Utrecht University's Executive Board has ordered the start of the design phase. In this phase, the design will be worked out in detail including the selection of materials, technical specifications and the integration of sustainability measures.

What is Project Uniek?

Project Uniek is an integrated redevelopment that combines several important tasks. It includes the redevelopment of the iconic Van Unnik building, site design including a study garden and the adaptation of the entrance to the Educatorium. The aim is to create a cohesive and sustainable environment that inspires and supports the university's community.

The university has chosen to merge these various initiatives into one large project because of the interrelatedness and potential to make a greater impact together. This integrated approach ensures that the various components reinforce each other and contribute to an attractive and functional whole.

Objectives for the Van Unnik building

The redevelopment of the Van Unnik Building aims to breathe new life into the building and transform it into a modern, sustainable and multifunctional building. The renovated building will house teaching facilities, research spaces and offices for the Faculty of Social Sciences and the university Corporate Offices.

Van Unnik's Five Golden Rule

The redevelopment of the Van Unnik building is guided by five golden rules:

  1. The new Van Unnik Building is a functional education, research and office building.
  2. The new Van Unnik building enhances the liveliness in the centre area of USP: as a UU landmark, it is part of the vibrant heart of the campus.
  3. The new Van Unnik building is an inviting place that encourages encounters, connections and cooperation.
  4. The new Van Unnik Building is energy-neutral and has been redeveloped with new techniques and knowledge in the field of circular and healthy buildings.
  5. The new Van Unnik building is an inspiring example of visibly sustainable redevelopment of an existing building.

These rules reflect the vision to create a building that is not only functional but also provides an inspiring environment for education and research.

The main entrance of the Willem C. van Unnik building

Utrecht University's sustainability ambitions

The university has a strong focus on sustainability and aims to make the campus energy-neutral and circular. Project Uniek plays an important role in this by applying sustainable construction methods and reusing materials wherever possible. This approach contributes to the university's broader strategy to reduce its environmental footprint and set an example for students and the wider community.

Stakeholder engagement

Future user involvement is an essential part of Project Uniek. In the earlier phases of the project, future users and other stakeholders have been closely involved. To draw up the Programme of Requirements (PoR), several theme sessions and working sessions were organised, during which a representation of users provided input on the research environment, office environment, sustainability, and facility facilities, among others. This involvement created a vision for the future design and functionality of the building.

The design phase

With the completion of the definition phase, the university has now released the budget for the design phase, which runs from sketch design to technical design. This phase is crucial for concretising the vision and plans for the project. In this phase, the design is worked out in detail including selection of materials, technical specifications and integration of sustainability measures.

Planning and Prospects

After the design phase, the realisation phase will start, which is currently scheduled to begin in mid-2026. The completion and occupation of the renovated Van Unnik building are scheduled for early 2029.

With Project Uniek, Utrecht University is taking an important step towards a sustainable and future-proof campus that will benefit not only current but also future generations of students, researchers and staff.