Architecture Day 2017
On Sunday, 25 June 2017, SCHUNCK Glaspaleis in Heerlen organized a day excursion as part of the Day of Architecture, with the theme “Innovative Working in the Euregion.” During this day, participants visited three innovative campuses in the Meuse-Rhine Euregion, where architecture and entrepreneurship came together to realize groundbreaking ideas. This offered a unique opportunity to discover innovative architecture and new working models that were helping to drive the region forward.
Visit to the Brightlands Smart Services Campus in Heerlen
The first stop was the Brightlands Smart Services Campus in Heerlen. Here, the sixty participants were welcomed by CEO Peter Verkoulen, event manager Janou van de Vorst, and architect Thijs Kieboom. They enthusiastically explained the innovative campus model and gave a tour of the renovated APG building. The campus focused on smart ICT solutions using Big Data to address challenges such as data security, climate change, and citizen participation. This model formed the core of innovative architecture in the Euregion.
Architecture and Sustainability at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus
Next, the participants visited the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Sittard-Geleen. Architecture firm Ector Hoogstad had designed the new Center Court: a transparent and open building that encouraged cross-pollination between different users. This architectural highlight provided space for sustainable innovations, such as the development of green materials and biomedical technologies. The campus served as a hub for the biochemical and materials industry in the Euregion.
Corda Campus: Innovative Workspaces in Hasselt
The third and final visit took place at the Corda Campus in Hasselt, Belgium. This campus offered 14,000 m² of office space and shared facilities on a former Philips site. Its striking architectural feature was the sloping green roof, which functioned as thermal insulation and a water buffer. It served as an example of how landscape and architecture can merge to create sustainable work environments.