Drift Cluster Forecourt

On the Wittevrouwenstraat in Utrecht’s city centre is the Drift Cluster Forecourt, a part of Utrecht University’s redevelopment process in cooperation with the city of Utrecht.The former palace of Louis Napoleon from 1807 takes on a new function as a university library and Faculty of Arts, for which the historic buildings have been renovated and partially merged. Karres en Brands created the design for the redevelopment of the Forecourt and the underground bicycle parking garage that connects to the University entrance.

The monumental Wittevrouwen gate marks the entrance to the forecourt that connects to the various buildings of the Wittevrouwen complex. The square’s edges are formed by a plinth of natural stone and gravel, which allows the diversity of the historic buildings to shine. The recycled bricks in the square provide a beautiful contrast to the light stucco walls and fit in with the atmosphere of Utrecht’s city centre.

The square design is largely determined by the integration of the underground bicycle parking garage and related technical constraints. For example, the elevation of the entrances in relation to the elevation of the bicycle garage led to a drainage technique in which water is discharged through the square’s seams. Natural stone elements highlight height differences and cuts in the ground level. Along with large elongated seating elements, these interventions give a new identity to the square. A group of large airy trees gives the square a friendly atmosphere while providing natural shade for the library’s reading rooms and offices.

The Forecourt of the University is the new meeting place for the Drift Cluster; a square where people gather in the shelter of the city, lending itself extremely well to representative purposes.