The campus is undergoing phased redevelopment until 2031, while teaching continues. Existing educational buildings are being renovated one by one, with some undergoing refurbishment and others a (structural) renovation.

The first three subprojects have been completed. The P.J. Veth building, next to the Hortus botanicus, was reopened in 2017 after extensive internal renovations. The second subproject, the internal renovation of the historic Arsenaal building, was completed in 2020. In 2024, the Herta Mohr building was delivered and is now use.

The next building set for redevelopment is the Aleida Nijland (currently Matthias de Vrieshof). The design process began in early 2025.

See the schedule of the various developments on the Humanities Campus in the coming years (PDF)

The final design of the Aleida Nijland has been completed. The spaces in the new faculty building have now been allocated to the future users, and several sessions have taken place in which staff and students were able to contribute ideas about the interior. With each step, the Aleida Nijland is taking clearer shape, and the realisation of the building is drawing ever closer.

The guiding principle for the Aleida Nijland is that it should become an attractive and recognisable place for its new occupants. A place with abundant daylight, designed to encourage interaction between students and staff, while also offering a pleasant environment for quiet work. The Aleida Nijland will house the LUCL, part of LUCAS, the Humanities Hub and SSH labs, as well as the LAK, ATC and UFB. Around 200 workspaces and approximately 60 meeting rooms will be created. In addition, the building will include lecture and seminar rooms, as well as various laboratory facilities and group workspaces.

At present, the Aleida Nijland is in the technical design phase. During this stage, all practical and functional aspects of the building are being worked out in detail, from installations and safety to sustainability. This prepares the design for the construction phase.

Sustainability is a key focus in the redevelopment of Aleida Nijland. The building aims to achieve a BREEAM rating of 'Very Good' or higher. Sustainable features include rainwater collection and reuse, green facades and surroundings, and biodiversity enhancement. The building will use an underground thermal energy storage system (TES) and, where feasible, solar panels. Circularity is also a priority, with existing structures retained where possible and demolition materials repurposed.

Laboratory Environment
The Aleida Nijland will bring together a range of labs, studios and dedicated Faculty of Humanities spaces for researchers and students (including the current Humanities Hub and SSH labs). The environment is designed to encourage, expand and embed research activities. The faculty considers it essential that researchers have access to a modern digital infrastructure and the tools they need to carry out their work effectively.

Additionally, it is crucial that students graduating from FGW are digitally proficient and skilled in research and media in a way that reflects the flexible and significant role of the humanities in our world.

The vision for the lab environment is to create an area that naturally attracts both students and researchers. From the moment they enter the building, it should be clear: this is the place to be. Walking through the space, visitors should feel inspired by the research and teaching taking place there. The design prioritises transparency while ensuring a secure environment for working and for participation in research studies. Within this setting, it is important that the functionality of the space for both students and researchers is clearly visible

Humanities Space

In the Aleida Nijland building, a collection of labs, studios, and dedicated FGW spaces will be created for researchers and students of the faculty. The current working name for these facilities is Humanities Space. This environment is designed to stimulate, expand, and embed research. The faculty considers it essential that researchers have access to a modern digital infrastructure and the necessary resources to conduct their research.

Additionally, it is crucial that students graduating from FGW are digitally proficient and skilled in research and media in a way that reflects the flexible and significant role of the humanities in our world.

The vision for the Humanities Space is to create an environment that naturally attracts both students and researchers. From the moment they enter the building, it should be clear: this is the place to be. Walking through the space, visitors should feel inspired by the research and teaching taking place there. The design prioritises transparency while ensuring a secure environment for working and for participation in research studies. Within this setting, it is important that the functionality of the space for both students and researchers is clearly visible.

Leiden University is making its buildings more sustainable, including those on the Humanities Campus. An important milestone in this process is the installation of an Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system. After phase 1, in which the Herta Mohr Building was connected to the system, phase 2 will begin in 2026: the buildings on the Doelen side.

What is TES?
Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is a sustainable energy system that uses groundwater as a medium for storing thermal energy. In summer, heat is stored in underground wells and used in winter for heating, and vice versa. This results in significantly lower CO₂ emissions and reduced energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable campus.

Work Schedule
From March 2026 onwards, work will start on installing the TES system on the Doelen side. Between March and the summer, two wells will be drilled at different locations and then connected by underground pipes. During this period, there will be periods of noise and traffic disruption.

The work will be carried out by De Ruiter Boringen and will take place in three phases:

• Early March – late March: drilling of the first well in the Paterstraatje, near the Hortus botanicus gate
• Late March – late April: drilling of the second well in the Arsenaalstraat, at the location of the parking bay
• April – June: installation of underground pipes between the two wells, via the Cleveringaplaats

Contact
If you have questions about the works, please contact info@humanitiescampus.nl.

From the start of the works in March, the contractor will also be available to answer questions or address concerns from local residents, staff and students. Weekly drop‑in sessions will be organised in the Huizinga Building.

The design of the workspace for lecturers, researchers, and support staff prioritises efficient use of space. All workspaces within the Humanities Campus will comply with legal standards and university sustainability goals. The layout will be flexible to accommodate future fluctuations in staff and student numbers.

All buildings will feature a modern and comfortable working environment, with ample natural light, coffee corners, and common rooms for social interaction.

The new workspace model is based on the university's workplace standards and Activity-Based Working (ABW). Since 2014, ABW principles have been incorporated into the Humanities Campus planning. The university’s Real Estate department is implementing these standards across all faculties.

Key Principles

• The Humanities Campus will be designed in line with workplace standards. Preferences may vary between institutes, and these will be considered within spatial and budgetary constraints.
• On-campus (physical) teaching remains the foundation of our programmes. However, hybrid teaching facilities will be integrated to support high-quality online education where needed.
• Regular staff presence in our buildings remains the norm. While individual preferences vary, institutes thrive on in-person engagement. Remote work will be possible depending on job requirements, but we are investing in an attractive working environment that encourages on-campus presence.
• Investment will be made in both workspaces and communal areas. University buildings should facilitate interaction while also offering quiet spaces for focused work and meetings. The design and allocation of space will be developed in collaboration with the users of the building. Institutes will be responsible for assigning specific workspaces to staff.
• The alternative Humanities Campus will be developed in line with the Humanities Campus vision, within financial and structural constraints. The goal is to create a sustainable, future-proof campus with a strong sense of community, a pleasant study and work environment, and modern facilities. The outdoor space will be enhanced with more greenery and will be integrated into the Singelpark walking route. A central green area will serve as a meeting place for students, staff, and visitors. Teaching and research activities will continue throughout the construction process.

Sustainable buildings are a key pillar of the university’s environmental policy. While sustainable construction requires additional investment in time and money, this is offset by lower energy costs, reduced CO₂ emissions, longer building lifespans, lower maintenance costs, improved staff well-being, and reduced waste during renovations or demolition.

See how sustainability requirements and ambitions were incorporated into the redevelopment of the Herta Mohr building.

Why is the redevelopment of the current Matthias de Vrieshof and Reuvens necessary?

The buildings' structural and sustainability standards are inadequate. Doing nothing would not only increase future costs but also prevent compliance with legal requirements regarding air quality, lighting, and energy use. The university also aims to meet its own sustainability goals.

Has postponing the redevelopment been considered?

No, postponement was never a viable option. Modernising and making the university’s buildings in the Witte Singel-Doelen area more sustainable is essential for maintaining high-quality study and work facilities. Additionally, maintaining outdated buildings is costly.

How can the development of the Humanities Campus be justified in times of financial constraints?

Investing in a sustainable, future-proof, and attractive study and work environment remains crucial. However, financial considerations are being taken into account. To cut costs, the planned construction of Lipsius South has been postponed. For Aleida Nijland, a structural renovation was chosen instead of complete demolition and new construction, saving money while still achieving modernisation goals.

Why is the current Lipsius building being demolished?

The municipal council approved the zoning plan for this site last year after a long and careful process. The decision was made to demolish the building in a circular manner. In its place, a green campus hub will be created—a central, green meeting space for students and the city, which is currently lacking in this area.

Before the Lipsius demolition (currently planned for 2031), the Aleida Nijland (current Matthias de Vrieshof) and Reuvens buildings will be redeveloped. Facilities currently housed in the Lipsius building, such as large lecture halls (to be relocated to the new Reuvens) and lab spaces (to be placed in Aleida Nijland), will be accommodated elsewhere on campus. Once these developments have been completed, the Humanities Campus will have adequate space at its disposal.