Wiel Arets
Academy of Art and Architecture
1989-1990Wiel Arets designed this extension to an existing arts academy located at the northern edge of Maastricht’s city center. Designed to unify the programs of architecture, fashion, fine arts, industrial, and graphic design under one roof, the project comprises two interconnected buildings linked by an elevated footbridge. Suspended three stories above ground amidst mature trees, the footbridge seamlessly integrates the school’s components, fostering a unique connection with the surrounding natural environment. Nestled within a dense urban fabric, the school remains discreetly camouflaged from direct view, simultaneously exposed to the city while maintaining an element of seclusion.
The school’s exterior is encased in a glass-brick façade that provides a delicate interplay between visibility and privacy. During the day, this semi-transparent veil shields the interior from external distractions, fostering a concentrated atmosphere for students. At night, the façade transforms, revealing silhouettes of its inhabitants as light from within illuminates its surface. This duality emphasizes the school’s role as both a sanctuary for focused study and a beacon of creative activity. Communal spaces such as the café, library, and large auditorium encourage informal interaction between professors and students, nurturing a vibrant academic community.
A series of ramps connects the new structure to the existing arts academy, creating a fluid circulation path that accesses key areas such as the library and auditorium, the latter situated on the lower level. These ramps ascend to the uppermost level, culminating in the enclosed footbridge. Constructed with glass-block flooring and ceilings, the bridge offers a luminous journey through the treetops while its concrete walls bear its structural weight. Crossing this bridge leads to the working studios, distributed across three floors, where artistically inclined students engage in their craft.
The interiors feature bespoke furnishings, including an oversized circular table in the café designed to seat twelve individuals, encouraging dialogue and collaboration. The design encapsulates the ethos of a modern atelier—a space where students and faculty are cocooned from the city’s bustle yet remain intrinsically connected to its cultural fabric.
About Wiel Arets Architecten
Wiel Arets Architecten, the visionary firm behind this project, is renowned for its innovative approach to modern architecture. Founded by Wiel Arets in 1983, the firm operates internationally with a portfolio spanning academic, residential, and commercial projects. Known for their meticulous attention to materiality and light, their designs often explore the interplay between transparency and opacity, creating environments that are both functional and contemplative. The firm’s philosophy centers on fostering connections—whether between people, spaces, or the broader urban context. This school exemplifies their commitment to creating spaces that inspire creativity and collaboration while harmonizing with their surroundings.
The school’s exterior is encased in a glass-brick façade that provides a delicate interplay between visibility and privacy. During the day, this semi-transparent veil shields the interior from external distractions, fostering a concentrated atmosphere for students. At night, the façade transforms, revealing silhouettes of its inhabitants as light from within illuminates its surface. This duality emphasizes the school’s role as both a sanctuary for focused study and a beacon of creative activity. Communal spaces such as the café, library, and large auditorium encourage informal interaction between professors and students, nurturing a vibrant academic community.
A series of ramps connects the new structure to the existing arts academy, creating a fluid circulation path that accesses key areas such as the library and auditorium, the latter situated on the lower level. These ramps ascend to the uppermost level, culminating in the enclosed footbridge. Constructed with glass-block flooring and ceilings, the bridge offers a luminous journey through the treetops while its concrete walls bear its structural weight. Crossing this bridge leads to the working studios, distributed across three floors, where artistically inclined students engage in their craft.
The interiors feature bespoke furnishings, including an oversized circular table in the café designed to seat twelve individuals, encouraging dialogue and collaboration. The design encapsulates the ethos of a modern atelier—a space where students and faculty are cocooned from the city’s bustle yet remain intrinsically connected to its cultural fabric.
About Wiel Arets Architecten
Wiel Arets Architecten, the visionary firm behind this project, is renowned for its innovative approach to modern architecture. Founded by Wiel Arets in 1983, the firm operates internationally with a portfolio spanning academic, residential, and commercial projects. Known for their meticulous attention to materiality and light, their designs often explore the interplay between transparency and opacity, creating environments that are both functional and contemplative. The firm’s philosophy centers on fostering connections—whether between people, spaces, or the broader urban context. This school exemplifies their commitment to creating spaces that inspire creativity and collaboration while harmonizing with their surroundings.
Program: School
Size: 1.300 m2
Design: Wiel Arets Architecten
Project team: Wiel Arets, Jo Janssen
Client: Rijkshogeschool Maastricht
Location: Maastricht, the Netherlands
Photography: Jan Bitter
Collaborators:
Lars van Es, Anita Morandini, René Holten, Maurice Paulussen, Paulus Egers
Published: January 2025
Category: Architecture