“Bespoke” study benches for the Feringa Building of the University of Groningen
Custom LAMM solutions for the 420-seat auditorium nestled in the building, among the largest in the Netherlands, named after the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
One of the largest buildings in the Netherlands, dedicated to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry Ben Feringa, with a wide range of specialist laboratories, brought together to contribute to international research in the fields of chemical engineering, research on materials, nanotechnology and astronomy. A state-of-the-art structure, flexible enough to prevent structural damage in the event of an earthquake, which exploits geothermal and solar energy, designed to promote the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and a catalyst for creative thinking. On the campus of the University of Groningen, which has had two Nobel Prizes among its professors (in addition to Feringa, Frits Zernike also obtained the high honour), a new architecture is born to respond to the exponential growth of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, in all 6,400 square metres distributed over three “V” wings, intended to accommodate 2,500 people among students and teaching staff.
On the ground floor, a large staircase leads to the large atrium used for events and exhibitions, below which is the large 420-seat auditorium with the custom study benches provided by LAMM in collaboration with the local partner SV Collection. Extreme flexibility for the large space, which can be divided into two with a movable wall if necessary. The two rooms thus obtained can be used simultaneously for different purposes. The workstations – with a fixed writing surface and a seat with a damped closure – are the result of the customisation of the E4000 series product. The upholstered seats and backrests are covered with Kvadrat fabrics (Foss, Remix 3, Canvas 2) and Extreme Metal of different colours, giving liveliness and dynamism to the large environment.
The front row panels (extending all the way to the floor), the writing surface, the side panels and the curved panels behind the backrests are made of ABET laminated HPL in an ice white shade. The study benches are equipped with an electrification duct and Schuko sockets with two or three outlets. In addition, new uprights have been developed for the occasion to create an “S” profile capable of increasing the height of the desk adapting it to that of the steps, guaranteeing optimal comfort, ideal lumbar support and at the same time allowing installation with reduced dimensions.
Project: Feringa Building – University of Groningen
Location: Groningen, Netherlands
Client: University of Groningen
Architects: Ector Hoogstad Architects
Local dealer: SV Collection
Contractor: Ballast Nedam
Year: 2024
LAMM supply: 420 E4000 bespoke study benches
Photographs: Marcel van der Burg