Fontys University of Applied Sciences Venlo

Véronique Topper of Bossche Studios created the interior design. Fontys employees were included in the decision-making process. ‘In the bi-weekly work group meetings, with representatives from all three institutes, we discussed the desired functions of the hall. In addition to a meeting area and study landscape, it should also be suitable as a place of promotion for the Fontys programmes – a town square where all the programmes are accommodated and where they can present themselves. We also organised workshops where future users could draw up their own ideas in terms of layout. Good input for the final design.’

The centrally placed cylinder with its wooden ribs and green roof is a true eyecatcher. It fulfils many functions: you can hold a meeting at the round table, or turn it into a 'market stall' during an open house. Students plop down onto the benches placed around it and check their phones or catch up with their classmates. Maarten Houdijk, account manager at Gispen: 'We came up with many custom solutions for the campus in Venlo. The wooden cylinder is a good example of this, as is the counter; both created in collaboration with interior constructor Sant Interiors.' Gispen MultiLounge train benches have been installed in several places. Véronique Topper: ‘The decision for doing so was partly based on our experiences at other Fontys locations; the train benches are always occupied.’ Sustainable detail: some of the benches have been covered with cork. The floor inside the cylinder is also made of cork. The workspace of the Green Tech Lab is directly adjacent to the central square. Maarten Houdijk: 'This space was also sustainably designed due to the reusing of Ahrend office chairs, which were given a thorough technical check. The tabletops of the desks are made of rubberwood: residual wood from rubber production.’

In addition to the smaller furniture pieces such as the Dukdalf side tables and Asido footstools, there is a large centre piece you simply cannot miss: HUBB. The modular furniture collection that Gispen and Mecanoo developed specifically for education. This innovative design premiered at the Fontys Rachelsmolen Campus in Eindhoven, but in a slightly different configuration. Venlo is also a pioneer: this is the first time that upholstery has been applied to the seats and backs, for a more luxury appearance and more comfort. Maarten Sars of Fontys: 'I was already enthusiastic about this piece of furniture, so it's great that it has found its way to Venlo. No matter from which angle you look at it – even from above, looking at the felt top – it really is an object in its own right, which definitely comes into its own here. HUBB is being used extensively! The students’ first requirement was a power socket. So these are integrated in HUBB. And you can use HUBB to work or discuss things privately.’