Renovation of Utrecht University Hall delayed by six months

The building, whose oldest part, the Aula, dates back to 1462, is the “face” of Utrecht University. It is used for PhD defences, graduation ceremonies and festivities such as the university’s anniversary, inaugural lectures, and debates, to name but a few activities. It also houses the Faculty Club, a convivial space for employees and alumni. ­­­

All of these functionalities have to be temporarily moved elsewhere, and they can’t all be moved to the same place. That’s what caused the delay, says Dennis Walta, a spokesperson for Campus & Facilities. “We need an entire package of temporary alternative locations to maintain the activities of the Utrecht University Hall during the renovation and these alternative locations must meet all kinds of requirements, such as availability, layout, logistics, ICT, safety, etc.” Walta explains that, during preparations, the university realised that delays or uncertainties in one move directly affected the others.

PhD defences will be moved to the Johanna Hudig building and the Alex Brenninkmeijer Hall; inaugural and farewell lectures will now happen at Pieterskerk; graduation ceremonies will be organised by the faculties themselves at various locations; and the Faculty Club will move to the Utrecht University Library City Centre.

On a dedicated website, UU states that the renovation is necessary to optimise the building’s functionality and sustainability. The aim is to extend the building’s lifespan by 15 years. The last time the building underwent renovations and refurbishments was in 2001.

Former canteen to be revamped
The Faculty Club will occupy the former canteen area at the University Library City Centre,  a space that has gone largely unused in recent years – and that couldn’t look more different from the Faculty Club’s homely atmosphere.

Sandy Van Heerde, Manager of the Faculty Club, explains that before the Faculty Club moves in, the old canteen will undergo a significant revamp. “It will be different, of course. We can’t recreate what we have here exactly, but we want the new space to also have a warm living room feel as well.”

The renovation work on the former canteen will be carried out in the summer to avoid bothering the people studying at the library. A team of interior designers is working on preliminary sketches that include a different floor, warmer lighting, ceiling decorations, and comfortable seating areas. The metallic and industrial features from the former canteen will either be removed or adapted to suit the new aesthetic. 

“Once the Faculty Club moves back to its original location, the university intends to use that space for receptions, symposia and other gatherings,” says Van Heerde.

An opportunity 
The Faculty Club hosts a wide range of activities – from interviews, lectures and themed dinners to drinks, receptions and occasional live music. Asked whether the Faculty Club’s presence  could be a nuisance for students going to the library to study, Van Heerde underscored that most activities take place in the evening, but acknowledged that some students still study at the library during those hours.

“The renovation plans are being developed in consultation with Campus & Facilities and colleagues from the library to try and keep the noise to a minimum,” she says. Sound-dampening panels are among the measures being considered. 

Despite the logistical hurdles, Van Heerde sees the temporary move as an opportunity. “The Faculty Club is hidden at the rear of the Utrecht University Hall. Some visitors struggle to find us. Being at the library will make more students – future alumni – and staff aware of the Faculty Club. They will know they can come to one of our activities once they graduate.”