PvdUS wants trees and flowering plants at UBB patio

The patio of the university library in the city centre could be described as boring, grey, too hot in the summer, and devoid of trees. Saar van der Horst, a member of the University Council representing PvdUS, thinks that the patio, which features an underground parking space for bicycles, could use a little greenery.

Together with other students, she designed the concept of a greener patio. The idea is to offer places to study outdoors, surrounded by plants and small potted trees.

Another idea is to space out the stones so that grass and small plants can grow in between them. In addition, the student council member wants to plant more shrubs and lay out a learning path, where visitors would be informed about the plants present in the garden.

Napoleon
The history of the building has also been taken into consideration in the proposed redesign. 19th-century king Lodewijk Napoleon, Napoleon Bonaparte's brother, lived in the building before it was acquired by the university. This history would be recalled in a "path with organic forms which were typical of Lodewijk's time." 

The patio would have a lot more plants and trees.

Thanks to the different plant species that would be used, these changes would render the patio heat-resistant, more biodiverse and insect-friendly. Saar hopes that students will want to hang out there throughout the year. The new patio would also remain accessible for wheelchair users.

Living Lab
The project should assume the form of a "Living Lab". Students and employees will be involved in the entire process of greenifying the space. For example, the design was made by a group of students. Saar: "They researched which kinds of plants were best suited for the patio. Another student is investigating the best way to lay a concrete path." Ideas from other students have been collected too. 

The student team is financed by the NPO funds, the National Programme for Education, which the university received from the government to finance projects that aim to improve students' wellbeing.

In the classroom
During and before Research will be made to find out what the users found of the new patio, so that the concept can be changed accordingly. "We're able to implement changes quickly because we use Living Lab."

A tree growing against the wall at the entrance of the bike shed

In addition, the council member is looking into whether there is room in teaching courses for students to work on the project. For example, the student who will develop the learning path will do it as part of their internship.

Summer
According to Saar, the presentation of the plans and the advisory report were positively received by instances like the municipality of Utrecht and the experts with whom Saar spoke for the report.

The student member will continue working on the project together with Vastgoed & Campus (V&C) and the Facility Service Center (FSC). First, the university will assess which ideas can be realised. The final plan will be delivered before the summer. The first trees and shrubs are expected to make their appearance after the summer holidays.