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 in use.

The next building set for redevelopment is the Aleida Nijland (currently Matthias de Vrieshof). Upon completion of Aleida Nijland, the Humanities Campus project will be concluded.

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

The final design of the Aleida Nijland building has been completed. The spaces within the new faculty building have been allocated to their future occupants, and the interior design has now been finalised. The demolition phase has commenced, beginning with a ‘pre-demolition’ phase during which reusable materials are being selectively removed for reuse. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

The guiding principle for the Aleida Nijland building 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.

Sustainable construction

Sustainability plays a central role in the redevelopment of the Aleida Nijland building. Upon completion, the building is expected to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. A range of measures will make the building greener and more sustainable, including the collection and reuse of rainwater, green façades and landscaping, and initiatives to enhance biodiversity. The building’s energy supply will be supported by a thermal energy storage (TES) system and, where feasible, solar panels. Circularity is a key principle throughout the project: existing structures will be retained wherever possible, and materials will be reused whenever feasible.

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

Sustainable accommodation is one of the key pillars of the university’s environmental policy. Building sustainably requires additional investment in both time and resources. However, these investments are offset by lower energy costs, reduced CO₂ emissions, a longer building lifespan, lower maintenance requirements, improved wellbeing and productivity for building users, and less construction waste during refurbishment or demolition.

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) System

One of the most important ways in which the campus buildings are being made more sustainable is through their connection to a thermal energy storage (TES) system. TES is a sustainable energy solution that uses groundwater to store energy. During the summer, heat is stored in underground aquifers and then used to provide heating in winter. Conversely, buildings are cooled in summer using cold water that has been stored during the winter months. The result is significantly lower CO₂ emissions and reduced energy consumption, contributing to a more sustainable campus.

When the Herta Mohr building was completed, it became the first building to be connected to the TES system. In 2026, extensive works were carried out on the Doelenzijde to connect the university buildings on this side of the Singel to the TES network as well.

In practice

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

The guiding principle across all campus buildings is to provide an attractive working environment with modern facilities, plenty of natural light and greenery, and ample opportunities for people to meet and connect, such as coffee areas and common rooms.

Making more efficient use of workspace will be an important challenge for the University in the coming years, partly in light of its sustainability objectives. For the Faculty of Humanities, this means ensuring that the amount of available space remains aligned with a changing staff profile. Achieving this requires careful consideration: how can space be allocated appropriately within an evolving organisation, while maintaining a pleasant and functional working environment for everyone?

Rather than applying a single fixed standard for office space, the University’s Real Estate Department, faculties and support services are increasingly focusing on how buildings are actually used, what is and is not possible within them, and where opportunities exist for more efficient or shared use of space. This approach is consistent with the Strategic Housing Plan, which places a strong emphasis on collaboration between faculties and the optimisation of university space. What this will mean for individual campuses and buildings will be developed further over the coming period through discussions between the Real Estate Department and building users.

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.

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.

How does the Humanities Campus relate to the City Centre Campus?

The Humanities Campus project encompasses the redevelopment of all buildings used by the Faculty of Humanities. With the redevelopment of Aleida Nijland, the Humanities Campus project is approaching completion.

Together with other university buildings, including Nieuw Reuvens and the Kamerlingh Onnes Building (KOG), the Faculty of Humanities buildings form part of the wider City Centre Campus.