After 20 years of intensive use, MBO College Hilversum asked for a transformation of the building at Arena 301. The goal was to reconnect educational vision, organization and building through a large-scale upgrade. The assignment to ZENBER Architects included designing a future-proof learning and working environment that connects to modern teaching activities, offers better orientation and routing, and makes the building more efficient and sustainable.
The building has been transformed from a traditional educational environment into a contemporary and inspiring learning and working environment. Through interviews, surveys and workshops with students, teachers and staff, ZENBER Architects gained insight into the needs of the users. This resulted in a design with learning landscapes, multifunctional squares and specific zones for collaboration, relaxation and study.
Central hall as a dynamic heart
The central hall has been widened and designed as an inviting meeting place with study areas, a coffee bar, a grandstand staircase and a stage. This area connects the ground floor with the 1st floor and adjoining classrooms. It offers space for spontaneous meetings, events and crossovers between courses.
Learning plazas
Strategically placed green learning plazas offer various functions, such as collaborating, studying and relaxing. Large reading tables, private study spaces and project spaces support various forms of work. Pergolas and striking ceiling and wall elements create a familiar and peaceful atmosphere.
Home base for students
The home base offers a safe space where students can relax and get together. Each home base area has its own color scheme and a distinctive volume in the shape of an archetype house, made from recycled PET felt for optimal acoustics.
Lifelike learning environments
Transparent practice rooms show students who work in a hair salon, car garage or hospital. These open spaces connect theory and practice, allowing students to learn in a realistic environment.
Library and canteen
The library is an inspiring space for studies and events, visually separated from the canteen by study pavilions made of recycled material. The library is a meeting place for students and teachers from various courses.
Collaboration zones for teachers
In addition to learning plazas, there are collaborative zones for teachers and staff, linked to Student Success Hubs. This is where students can ask questions about study, internship and progress. The zones offer different workplaces for individual and collaborative work, with meeting lounges and meeting facilities for hybrid education.
Sustainability
The building has been made more sustainable with energy-efficient LED lighting, circular materials such as bamboo and PET-felt, and the reuse of existing building materials. Installations have been adapted to reduce the environmental footprint.
Central hall as a meeting place
Dynamic heart with study areas, grandstand stairs and space for events.
Learning plazas and home bases
Green, multifunctional oases and recognisable places for students to work together and relax.
Lifelike learning environments
Transparent practice rooms connect theory and practice.
Collaboration zones
Zones for teachers and staff, linked to Student Success Hubs for optimal student interaction.
Sustainability
Circular materials, energy-efficient lighting and the reuse of building materials make the design future-proof.
