LIAG architecten: FEM building

‘FEM building’ by LIAG architecten, nijmegen, the netherlands image © ben vulkers all images courtesy of LIAG architecten

the new building for the faculty of economics and management, or ‘FEM building’, by dutch firm LIAG architecten extends the previously insufficient property to account for expanding growth and modern facilities. following a new zoning plan, the project was executed over three phases starting with the ground level which primarily houses the educational functions. the second installment includes the completion of the second floor where teachers’ offices are located, and the last stage finalizes the construction with the newly allowed third storey and a pair of below-grade parking garages.

several folds, bends and cantilevers on the exterior form create animated spaces for the students and teachers to interact. long strips of glazing shielded by sun louvers wrap around the blue steel-plated facade. the interior structure is made up of a combination of laminated timber beams and slender steel sections, with exposed corrugated metal roofing. energy efficiency was taken into account by using daylight to assist ambient temperature control, installing presence detectors in the lighting and escalators and using low environmental-impact materials to make the furniture.

entry image © ben vulkers

interior atrium image © ben vulkers

interior atrium image © ben vulkers

entrance atrium image © ben vulkers

common space image © ben vulkers

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

floor plan / level 2

floor plan / level -1

floor plan / level -2

section

transverse sections

project info:

functions:  Educational building, auditorium, restaurant, offices, parking. total area:  14.511 m2 start design: december 2006    start build: may 2008 finished: april 2011 geo coordinates:  51° 49′ 42” N , 05° 51′ 46” E