The Aula of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam underwent a major renovation last summer. The goal was a sustainable and flexible room that is also suitable for teaching and attending education.
Client
Heddes Construction & Development
Location
Amsterdam
Start - end date
- up to
October 2022
Expertise
Among other things, new seats have been installed, the audiovisual equipment has been renewed and the stage has been refurbished. A user group has determined the new and contemporary colors. The lighting had already been renewed: the entire Aula is now equipped with sustainable LED lighting.
In addition, we have widened and extended all the steps in the Aula, in a theater setup with almost 1000 seats. As a result, the desired better wheelchair accessibility has been achieved. We have also completely renewed the parquet and carpet floors.
This project was realized under considerable time pressure. The Aula, as part of the academic heart of the VU, had to be available again before the start of the new academic year on September 1, 2022. And we did it!
We wish students, staff and visitors good and interesting meetings in this modern and comfortable Aula!
Earlier this year, we also renovated the VU Auditorium; see our website. vu auditorium
Photography: Too van Velzen
Yes, we do that regularly, for example in museums! We have extensive experience with structural requirements, additional permitting processes, and respecting original features during renovations or transformations. The bigger the challenge, the more rewarding the work!
We consider routing, acoustics, sightlines, materials, and maintenance. Everything must not only look good but also be logical, safe, and durable in use – especially in sectors such as government, culture, and airports.
Yes. Our team is trained, vetted, and familiar with the procedures. We regularly work in areas with restricted access and strict logistics, such as airports or government facilities.
Yes. We have the organization, network, and experience to operate simultaneously at multiple locations across the Netherlands – with centralized coordination and local execution.
Sure. We regularly work in construction teams with external architects, contractors and consultants. We coordinate our role flexibly: from interior construction alone to taking care of the entire process.
No. We also take on smaller assignments and sub-projects with the same care and professionalism. Think of reception areas, pantries, meeting rooms or custom solutions where quality and detail are important.
Turnkey means that we take care of the entire process: from engineering to planning, execution and aftercare. One point of contact, one schedule, one result. No separate links, but one sleek whole.
Yes. We have our own production in-house and work with a permanent group of high-quality production partners. We engineer, plan and coordinate everything — including production, installation and delivery. This is how we guarantee quality, planning and a high level of finish.
Because we contribute ideas from practice to the practical feasibility of a project. We often see where bottlenecks can arise and how to prevent them — technically, financially or architecturally. This way, you prevent delays and failure costs.
