The professional jury of the BNA Best Building of the Year award has named the University of Twente's ITC Faculty the Best Building of the Year 2024. This prestigious award highlights the value of architectural design for society. The winning project combines impressive transformation and sustainability. The public favourite is the Van Gogh Village in Nuenen. The award is an initiative of the sector association BNA (Branchevereniging Nederlandse Architectenbureaus).
General remarks from the jury
The jury led by Marcia Luyten sees building as more than just designing and delivering a building. Buildings shape streets, neighbourhoods and communities. They play a crucial role in the transition to a circular economy. This year's competition was chosen from 96 entries. The projects ranged from residential buildings and nature pavilions to museums and educational buildings. The focus was on renovation and transformation. These projects show that renovation can be both financially and socially rewarding. The BNA Best Building of the Year 2024 jury consists of leading architects, clients and a political delegate.
Faculty ITC - an innovative and sustainable design
The Faculty of ITC, designed by Civic Architects & VDNDP, Studio Groen+Schild and DS Landscape Architects, is located in a former laboratory on the TU Twente campus. The building, originally brutalist, has been transformed into an open and light 'learning landscape'. Four atriums, filled with trees, plants and a water feature, bring light and air into the building. New oak walls and bamboo floors add warmth to the interior.
The jury praised the architects for their sharp interventions. They have transformed the building from a functional laboratory into an inspiring teaching space. The building's unique dimensions have been turned into an asset and the installation technology has been ingeniously concealed in the floors. The use of heat recovery and solar panels makes the building energy-efficient. The layout with plants provides an attractive indoor climate and atmosphere. The result is a sustainable, flexible and future-proof space. Students and researchers feel at home and are encouraged to interact and collaborate.
The relevance of architecture for society
This winning project highlights the important role of architects in addressing societal challenges. By transforming existing structures and working with reused and renewable materials, architects contribute to sustainable and liveable cities. The Faculty of ITC is an excellent example of how architecture can contribute to functional, aesthetic and ecological goals. The BNA invites architects and society to embrace this inspiring transformation. We encourage everyone to think about how architecture can contribute to a better future.
Read the jury report (in Dutch).
Source: BNA
