ESA selects Witteveen+Bos and SBGA to redevelop tech campus
ESA selects Witteveen+Bos and SBGA to redevelop tech campus
The European Space Agency (ESA) has selected Witteveen+Bos and architectural firm SBGA Blengini Ghirardelli to implement its Accelerated Investment Plan (AIP) for ESTEC, its European Space Research and Technology Centre. The AIP involves modernising and increasing the sustainability of the ESTEC site in Noordwijk, a 160,000 m2 campus where 2,800 people are actively engaged in technology development and scientific space research.
Over a period of six years, the European Space Research and Technology Centre will undergo a metamorphosis in three phases. The central theme in the design concept developed by Italy-based SBGA Blengini Ghirardelli and Dutch consultancy and engineering firm Witteveen+Bos is ‘connecting’.
This vision, which underpins the project’s master plan, will make it possible to carry out a dynamic, long-term redevelopment of the campus’s primary structures, strengthening the position of this extraordinary site at the heart of European space advancement and policy development.
Orbit as central hub
Creating inspiring working environments where people come together is at the heart of the redevelopment design. This is reflected in the Orbit, the central hub and main connecting point of the campus, around which the other buildings orbit like satellites.
The Orbit is linked to five office buildings and a laboratory, literally facilitating connections between employees. The predominant use of glass in the buildings’ facades also enables continuous interaction between the world and space outside and the buildings’ users.
Linking global themes
The design concept also makes links with major global themes, such as caring for the climate and environment. A park will be built on the campus that enables natural water storage and other forms of climate adaptation, with the design also seeking to maximise energy savings, reduce its carbon footprint, and utilise renewable energy sources.
By employing standard construction products and dimensions as much as possible in the design, costs are saved and resources optimally utilised. The design also proactively targets minimal environmental impact.
During the tender phase, we collaborated with OpenFabric, W4Y and Meelis & Partners to develop our proposal design.
Master plan – scheduling – phasing
An important aspect during implementation of the AIP will be ensuring the continuity of business activities at ESTEC. A phased approach will ensure that day-to-day activities are affected as little as possible by the redevelopment.
Over 2,800 people, including employees, researchers, space engineers, and astronauts, work at the campus. The envisioned new facilities have been designed to meet the needs of this diverse range of professionals, incorporating meeting rooms, research facilities, and shared workspaces. The office buildings will be adaptable and dynamic in both size and application.
Tendering for the first phase of redevelopment is expected to begin in late 2025.
A word from our colleagues
Stephan van der Biezen, director at Witteveen+Bos:
‘The ESTEC site is the technical heart of the European Space Agency. It’s an honour to have been assigned by ESA to work on the Accelerated Investment Project together with SBGA Blengini Ghirardelli. This project marks the beginning of an exciting transition to an inspiring, modern working environment – a place for people to collaborate, pool their knowledge and share information, all of which are essential ingredients for world-class technological research.’
Ingrid Bolier, team leader at Witteveen+Bos for project management on complex buildings:
‘From the very first moment, empathy has been a central element of our transformation concept for ESA’s ESTEC site – empathising with the desires and needs of the buildings’ users and other stakeholders, but also in terms of the project-related challenges of the transformation. It’s incredibly motivating that we’ve been selected by ESA to work on the sustainable and future-proof redevelopment of their ESTEC campus.’
Agostino Ghirardelli, founding partner architect at SBGA Blengini Ghirardelli:
‘We began collaborating with ESA on ESTEC in 2017, initially with a small role in the campus’s redevelopment. We’re honored to now be awarded this assignment and see it as a testament to the collaborative efforts and shared vision – for a contemporary, dynamic and inspiring working environment – that guide us in shaping the future of this area together with our colleagues at Witteveen+Bos. And also, therefore, in significantly contributing to a sustainable foundation for world-class technological research.’
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