Creating an environment that connects people and makes them feel at home is the central focus of the new Grotius Building of the Faculty of Law at Radboud University in Nijmegen. Studio Groen+Schild conducted several workshops with students, lecturers, and professors to explore the desired ambiance of the interior of the new law faculty. What do the building's users expect? The outcome: respect for tradition while being forward-looking. This translates into numerous wooden elements and the color green in the interior, alongside contemporary design.

Classic elements are given a modern twist. A prime example is the specially designed glass and wood bookcase fronts for the office rooms of the academic staff. The characteristic green of the well-known lamps in old classical libraries is incorporated as accents in the entrance, library, study areas, and office environment. The furniture is surrounded by atmospheric spaces with materials such as natural stone, wood, glass, and leather.

The Grotius Building was the winner of the Architecture Prize Nijmegen 2015.

Photography: Petra Appelhof

Projectteam Studio Groen+Schild:
Ellen Schild, Rosanne Bommartini, Ariënne Matser, Demian Freeling