Utrecht Science Park
On the east side of the city, the Utrecht Science Park has been steadily growing in size and (inter)national importance. In a vibrant atmosphere, educational institutions, research facilities and companies work together on life sciences, health and sustainability. The USP has numerous iconic buildings, like the famed Educatorium (OMA, Rem Koolhaas) and University Library (Wiel Arets) and is constantly setting new examples in architecture and urban planning.
Since 2012, Utrecht Science Park has been the name for the area that until recently was primarily known as De Uithof campus. In addition to education and knowledge-intensive companies, five hospitals have now also been established. Today, the USP is a small city in itself, where many people study, work and live together.
Map of Utrecht Science Park (Orange/ yellow: educational facilities, grey: medical facilities, green: student housing, pink: commercial companies
From polder to campus
In the 1960s the first (wooden!) educational buildings were erected in the Johannapolder near the farm ‘De Uithof’. The second impulse followed in the 1970s with the first ’true’ buildings.In the 1990s a third wave of construction followed, part of an urban development plan by Rem Koolhaas (OMA). Student accommodation, facilities for sports, recreation and shops gave De Uithof the appearance of a campus.
Expansion to Science Park
With the establishment of new companies and knowledge centers, De Uithof has become the Utrecht Schience Park. In addition to the Danone Innovation Center, the Life Science Incubator opened its doors and the new location of RIVM & CBG is under construction. The area is easily accessible by bike and tram connection the Uithoflijn.
Educatorium (Photo: Ben Bender, Creative Commons)
Places to see
Out guides make sure you see all the highlights. Do you have specific interests? We can adjust the route to your liking. These are some of the interesting buildings to visit outside:
- Ronald McDonald House by Bosch Haslett
- A. Hijmans van der Bergh building by EEA Architects (2005)
- 1001 student residences on 1 ha by Uytenhaak
- Casa Confetti by Marlies Rohmer (2009)
- Johanna (2015)
- Nicolaas Bloemberg building by UN Studio (2000)
- The Bishops of Köther, Salman, Koedijk Architects (2006),
- Combined heat and power plant by Liesbeth van der Pol (2005)
- David de Wied building by Studio Herman Hertzberger (2011)
- Hogeschool Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 15 by Schmidt Hammer Lassen (2018)
- Danone Innovation Center aka “Nutricia Research” by Cepezed (2013)
- RIVM and CBG construction site (ready 2021)
- Basketbar by NL Architects. It is possible to have a drink and / or eat here after the tour.
Visits inside
During the walking tour you can also visit one or more buildings inside, depending on the duration of the tour and the day on which the tour takes place. In the application form you can select the buildings you would like to visit inside. For instance: the striking and award-winning Educatorium by Rem Koolhaas / OMA (1997), Padualaan 101 by Mecanoo with hidden inner gardens (1995), the University Library by Wiel Arets (2004), The Victor J. Koningsberger building by Ector Hoogstad Architects (2015) and the Life Science Incubator by Mecanoo (2017).
Universiteitsbibliotheek
Duration
The duration of a Utrecht Science Park tour depends on the number of buildings to be visited. In each tour, several buildings can be viewed outside, in addition, in a 1 hour tour you can visit 1 building inside, in a 1.5 hours tour you can visit 2 buildings inside, in a 2 hours tour you can visit a maximum of 3 buildings inside.
Number of participants
The number of participants for a walking tour is at least 10 and has a maximum of 20. For a bike tour the number of participants is limited to 10. You can book extra guides if you exceed this number. Please mention the total number of participants at the application form and we suggest the number of guides needed.
Price
The price of the tours depends on the number of participants, the duration and any additional customization. Rates are from € 12.50 per person with a minimum of 10 people. View the full price overview.
Contact
For more information on tours and bookings you can reach us by mail: tours@aorta.nu or by phone: +31 (0)30 2321686 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Bookings
You can book a tour by filling out the application form:
Application form tour Utrecht Science Park