HvA Kohnstammhuis

interior design of transformed university

The city and education are getting a new place in the heart of Amsterdam. Education, meeting, knowledge, neighborhood, business, culture, and recreation will form an integral part of the city campus of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. Various educational domains, including law and economics, education and upbringing, media, technology, and management, will each be given different accommodations on either side of Wibautstraat. Several characteristic existing buildings will be renovated alongside new construction. OIII architects is responsible for the interior design of these components in the various buildings.

Parts of the Amstel Campus include the former national monument Kohnstammhuis and the adjacent wing Theo Thijssenhuis. These will house the Education & Upbringing domain, Student Services, and the Amsterdam Center for Continuing Education, combined with central functions such as a learning center, media library, breeding ground, and arena.

Oᶦᶦᶦ architects developed and designed the interior with intensive, dynamic, and long-term use in mind. The new interior blends seamlessly with the imposing monument that is the Kohnstammhuis. In contrast to the dark and heavy appearance of this former tax office, upon entering you are enveloped by high and light spaces. Prepared for the dynamics of education, the interior of the learning center also provides for flexible and diverse use. A space that you can make your own through different layouts, movable and retractable furniture.

Above the learning center on the ground floor are educational floors. The original design by architect Friedhoff from 1958 has been subtly restored. The central corridor with its black ceiling emphasizes the backbone of the building. On either side of the corridor are flexible educational spaces and office spaces. The changing student numbers and programmatic changes can easily be accommodated by new layouts. The learning plazas form the heart of each floor. The educational environment exudes respect for the national monument, exudes the atmosphere of high-quality education, and offers space for meeting and collaboration.