As project leader of Campus The Hague renovation, I didn’t feel like I was solely responsible for a result that served the students, the employees, the Hotelschool and the immediate environment. Therefore, I wanted to work with a Project Team of enthusiastic professionals, all working together towards a shared goal. I also encouraged cooperation with the Construction Team, the different parties on the construction site, the municipality and all the specialists involved during the process. You can't complete a massive project like this solo. In my experience, mutual trust and a common goal are how things get done and that fuels job satisfaction.
Rooftop party
I can honestly say that everything worked out well and within the allocated budget and schedule, partly due to the vote of confidence from the Board and the Supervisory Board. In 2018 the architects put their ideas to paper, and today the building is complete in full glory. I feel satisfied, and yet there’s a touch of nostalgia. After all, I put my heart and soul into this for more than seven years, including the preparation. In 2014 we planted the seed. The school wanted to celebrate their 85th anniversary on the roof of the Campus Amsterdam parking garage. I pointed out the problematic construction and said it was a bad idea. Based on my claims, I started an investigation with a specialist from Arcadis, and my suspicions were correct: a party on the school roof would have been a disaster. This investigation was the beginning of more structural and safety research, which was the foundation for tackling the overdue maintenance on both campuses and the renovation in The Hague.
Campus The Hague Futureproof
The issues at Campus The Hague were complex: performing minimal maintenance, renovating or relocating? In 2018, the Supervisory Board decided to renovate, and we worked out three scenarios with Fokkema & Partners Architecten and Arcadis. At the beginning of 2019, we opted for scenario two: a thorough renovation of the main building and the wings. At the end of 2019, we selected the contractor for the construction team and the project execution. The renovation started at the beginning of 2020, and during the process, we transitioned to scenario three after all due to sound financial planning: the entire complex is future-proofed. On top of the renovation, we implemented additional sustainability measures, from climate installations to facade replacement and improvements to the outdoor space.
Back to business
I could write a book about the adventures of the past seven years leading to the new campus. In any case, I’m looking forward to getting back to business again at a new flexible workplace in a brand new, modern environment! This magazine will give you a glimpse of the challenges and surprises we experienced together through everyones’ stories. I’m very curious how the students, employees, partners and visitors will experience the campus.
this all worked out nicely
and within time and budget.”
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