marlies rohmer: smarties

‘smarties’ by marlies rohmer in utrecht, the netherlands all images courtesy marlies rohmer photo by scagliola en brakkee

‘smarties’ by amsterdam-based architect marlies rohmer is a multi-storey student dorm building for the utrecht university campus in the netherlands. in part designed to alleviate the housing shortage among the young population in the city of utrecht, the building offers 380 single and multiple units.

(left) street facade photo by scagliola en brakkee (right) facade detail photo by akzo nobel

wrapped in a pixelated skin of multi-coloured aluminum panels, the building is a visual landmark within the campus grounds. an open plaza under a 20 metre cantilever out front serves as an urban meeting spot, featuring a playful swing stage for seating. the covered plaza is visually extended beyond the entrance and lobby, creating another pocket of outdoor space in a carved out volume from the structure’s underbelly.

a number of communal spaces are provided within the complex, aiming to provide a living space that facilitates encounters and communication among its residents.

swing in front plaza photo by scagliola en brakkee

(left) street view photo by akzo nobel (right) plaza view

detail of structural slab above the entrance photo by akzo nobel

outdoor space photo by scagliola en brakkee

rooftop terrace

(left) windows photo by akzo nobel (right) views of dorm rooms photos by scagliola en brakkee

corridor photo by scagliola en brakkee

rendered aerial

rendered view of corridor with social alcoves

pixelation treatment

typical floor plan

longitudinal section