KAAN architecten has completed CUBE, a new education and self study center at tilburg university in the netherlands. located in the north-west corner of the campus, which is characterized by an orthogonal plan, the 11.000 square-meter building serves all faculties and it is in constant use by some 2.200 students and lecturers that cross its spaces every day. the compact structure blends into its surrounding landscape and into the larger architectural ensemble of the dutch educational campus.
photos by simone bossi and sebastian van damme
 
KAAN architecten?s design approach takes into account not only current users, but also future generations and development of the university, creating an open, elegant and robust education and self study center. CUBE is anchored to the landscape by paved pathways that guide users to its entrances on the south-side corners, and into its secluded interior, which feels like an opening in the woods. the heart of the building includes a spacious indoor study plaza, flanked by a transparent auditorium and two patios.
 
the ground floor of CUBE is welcoming and feels like an inviting public space thanks to the high ceilings and abundant daylight. its layout includes open study and circulation spaces, lounges, and a catering area, as well as a white rounded spiral staircase that gives the building a sense of serenity.

 
 
surrounded by glass walls, the auditorium adds to the building?s dynamic ensemble. alongside the green patios, indepen...