The Vertical Campus project in The Hague reimagines how educational institutions can be integrated with urban environments in response to increasing urbanization and land scarcity. By transitioning from horizontal expanses to a vertical framework, this initiative addresses unique challenges and opportunities. Central to this concept is the “Vertical Town Square,” designed to integrate the campus with The Hague’s urban fabric, alleviating the anonymity and disconnection of dense high-rise areas. The space serves as an unprogrammed area of possibilities, enhancing spontaneous interactions and preserving the intrinsic value of existing public spaces.
These squares foster a dynamic, inclusive atmospheres that supports both formal and informal learning, promoting interdisciplinary engagement and societal awareness. Prioritizing connectivity and accessibility, the campus integrates seamlessly into the urban milieu, creating interaction spaces that merge different social classes and enhance societal diversity. By redefining educational architecture, the project enriches academic experiences through deep integration with urban life, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and active participation. The campus offers varied settings that support both extroverted and introverted functions, encouraging unexpected encounters, innovation, and the exchange of diverse ideas.
The Vertical Campus is a hybrid building dedicated to lifelong learning, spanning approximately 30,000 m². Designed to support a diverse range of educational programs, the building accommodates people of all ages in their ongoing pursuit of knowledge, skills, and abilities. By integrating various functions and spaces, the campus promotes programmatic overlap, enhancing both the efficiency and the enriching experience of lifelong learning.
