News

Aurora reaches its highest point

Published on
November 5, 2020

With the installation of the first column of the technical area on top of the building, Aurora reached its highest point on November 5. In a response, Rector Magnificus Arthur Mol says “We are very pleased with this new teaching building on campus. It is an important, iconic asset that will further enhance the high quality of our education. The built-in flexibility and the possibilities for new teaching methods fit seamlessly with our educational vision for the future, in which blended, interactive and small-scale education are key.” The building must be finished in 240 days. The official opening is a few months later, at the start of the 2021/2022 academic year.

Roof Tile Beer

Traditionally, we celebrate reaching the highest point in the Netherlands with "pannenbier" (roof tile beer) for the construction workers. However, because of Covid-19, no festivities are possible this time. To thank the builders for their efforts on behalf of WUR, they all received a beer package with a mini photo book.

Two representatives of the construction workers (left) receive a case with roof tile beer from Eric Van der Meer (Project leader WUR-FB) and Arie Aalbers (building engineer LIAG).
Two representatives of the construction workers (left) receive a case with roof tile beer from Eric Van der Meer (Project leader WUR-FB) and Arie Aalbers (building engineer LIAG).

Interchangeable functions

The building offers optimal facilities for modern and continuously developing education. The student is the key person to this. For example, teaching rooms can be enlarged and converted into lab rooms with limited reconstruction. In addition to the educational facilities, the building offers a residential area for students and teachers and a single office facility for management functions. There are also various catering distribution points (pop-ups) and an indoor bicycle shed.

Sustainable and safe

A sustainable appearance of the buildings contributes to the green image of Wageningen University. By opting for an energy-efficient and flexible (almost energy-neutral) building, it will retain a higher utility value in the future. The entry of daylight into all public areas - also the motivation for the name Aurora - and the use of green plants within the building will contribute to a pleasant working and living environment.

The indoor bicycle shed under the building can be reached via two down-sloping entrances. To prevent accidents, both entrances have been roughened and fitted with floor heating. This keeps them frost and snow-free in winter.