Architectuurstudio HH, Herman Hertzberger

the long version

Summary: The existing building of the NHL University, designed by the architect Abe Bonnema and dating from 1984, is an amorphous presence with its small-scale combination of building masses. Architectuurstudio HH expanded it with a new building of the same size, leaving Bonnema's building intact. The new enfolds the existing on all sides as an inclusive framework, like the frame of a picture. It is lifted into space so that the existing structure is left visible and the grounds can continue uninterrupted beneath it. Free floor spans of nearly 12 metres enable the changes in layout necessary to a modern education institute.