It will be a while yet – certainly up to the beginning of 2024 – but by then the University Library in Randwyck will have undergone a true metamorphosis; at least, that is what the designs stuck on the wall promise. We see a lot of wood, green, light colours and round shapes. Those who look through the window today, won’t see much yet, apart from some bookcases covered in plastic (see photo).
Students are being referred to the temporary University Library on the Endepolsdomein 150, the building formerly used by the Maastricht School of Management, which is now owned by the university. “But the third floor of the University Library at the Universiteitssingel 50 is still open. We have 200 study spaces up there. Together with the ones on the Endepolsdomein, there are 700, just as many as before,” Meike Kerkhofs, project leader of innovative learning spaces, adds.
The library renovations are part of the renovations of Universiteitssingel 50, a building that is over thirty years old. Outdated materials are being replaced and spaces are being set up differently to meet modern-day lab and other requirements.
The new library should exude “tranquility”, says the architect in a brief video on the UL site. In the choices of materials, colours and shapes, they primarily had the user in mind, he explains. The users are mainly students. In various working groups, the latter, as well as the education offices and management from the various faculties, were invited to have their say in the creative process, says Kerkhofs.
To conclude, a question about all that green. In the design, entire walls have been transformed into green carpets and balustrades have been ‘decorated’ with ferns and hanging plants. There will most likely not be a watering system. Who is going to maintain all those plants? “That is still being investigated, but central management has a maintenance contract with an external party.” And otherwise, students may pick up a watering can to help out. That can also be soothing.