Walk-in Meeting Aleida Nijland: Looking Ahead to the New Sustainable Building
On 22 January 2026, a meeting was held in the LUCL common room in the Reuvens building for the planned renovation of Aleida Nijland (formerly Matthias de Vrieshof). Future users of the building were given a preview of their new location on the Humanities Campus. The atmosphere was positive, and the design was well received.
The design team and project organisation were present at the walk‑in meeting to answer questions. Visitors could also take a VR tour of the new building. Large poster boards displayed floor plans, visual impressions and the functional layout. The VR tour was especially popular, with around 35 colleagues literally stepping into the building and exploring the courtyard garden.
Layout and Accommodation
Most questions focused on the building’s layout and the areas where different user groups will be accommodated. It was possible to give a clear indication of this for each group. Although the exact allocation of individual workspaces will follow later (and is not decided by the design team), the explanation did provide a clear picture of how the building will be used in the future.
Enthusiasm about the Courtyard and Roof Garden
The courtyard and roof garden were major talking points. The architect explained how these spaces will be designed, with plenty of low vegetation, seating areas for brief meetings, and a connection between the courtyard and the floors above.
Reactions were positive: visitors saw the greenery as a real added value and appreciated that the roof garden is not intended as a space for long-term stays.
Bicycle Parking and Car Parking: Familiar Solutions
The arrangements for bicycle parking will be similar to the Herta Mohr building: in the basement, accessible via a ramp at the front. This met with the approval of many of the visitors. Car parking will also remain unchanged from the current situation.
Respect for the Original Design
Many attendees expressed appreciation for the return of the characteristic brick façade. The design respects the original architecture while blending naturally with the surrounding buildings. Future users noted that this creates a nice balance between renewal and recognisability. The design was frequently compared to the recently renovated Herta Mohr building. Although technically similar, the two buildings differ in scale and spatial layout: Aleida Nijland is smaller.
Overall, feedback from future users was largely positive. The VR experience was fun and insightful, the proposed upgrade of the building was well received, and people valued both the respect for the original design and the way the building integrates into its surroundings.
Sustainable Humanities Campus
Aleida Nijland is part of the development of the sustainable Humanities Campus, offering modern facilities and an attractive environment for teaching and working. All future users of Aleida Nijland were invited to the meeting. The renovated building will house:
- LUCL
- General teaching rooms
- LUCAS
- Academic Language Centre (ATC)
- Linguistics Lab
- Humanities Hub
- Self-study areas
- LAK (Leids Academisch Kunstcentrum)
- Education and Student Affairs
- Logistics functions, including the University Facilities Department (UFB)
Next Steps in the Aleida Nijland Development: Interior Design Feedback Session on 26 February
The next step in the Aleida Nijland project is the Interior Design Feedback session on 26 February from 14:00–15:00 in Lipsius.
If you would you like to attend, please register via huisvesting@hum.leidenuniv.nl.