Bladergroen Building: the new name for University College Groningen’s home

Construction work at Bloemsingel 1 in Groningen has been underway for some time. The building, which will become the permanent home of University College Groningen (UCG), is undergoing a thorough renovation and sustainability upgrade. Additionally, new construction is being added to the north side, designed by architecture firm Elephant / Taller. Last week, contractor Hegeman B.V. from Nijverdal began realizing this new construction. During a celebratory event, the name of the new building was unveiled: Bladergroen Building, named after Wilhelmina Bladergroen. Approximately 400 staff and students are expected to use this new location by mid-2027.

About the name: Bladergroen Building

Wilhelmina Bladergroen (1908–1983) was a pioneer in child psychology. Starting as a physical education teacher, she focused her career on children with learning and developmental challenges. Due to her assistance in hiding Jewish children during World War II, she was interned in Vught concentration camp. After the war, she established LOM schools (later known as special education) in Groningen, founded an institute for remedial teaching, and maintained her own practice alongside her academic position. She became the first female professor of orthopedagogy in Groningen. As a public figure, she frequently wrote and spoke in the media about improving education and play spaces for children.

Her holistic approach continues to inspire University College Groningen’s mission: an open, inclusive learning environment where students transcend disciplines, learn by doing, and address societal challenges with creativity, empathy and collaboration to make a meaningful impact on the world.

The transformation

The monumental 1911 building, originally designed by former government architect J.A.W. Vrijman (1865–1954), is being restored to its original quality. The façades, green gardens and fencing will regain their classic appearance, while the building undergoes structural and technical sustainability upgrades. The later-added "Noordgebouw" (1935) has been demolished to improve accessibility. In its place, Hegeman B.V. began constructing a new, light and open wooden and glass volume last week, connecting the old building with the gardens and the campus square.

The main entrance will be relocated to the campus square and will be wheelchair accessible. The ground floor will serve as a central meeting place, while the upper floors will provide study and concentration spaces. The roof will be transformed into a large outdoor terrace. A tall lightwell at the heart of the building will mark the transition between old and new. The total building will cover approximately 4,800 m² GFA and aims for seamless integration with its surroundings.

Sustainability

Sustainability is central to the project. Investments are being made in insulation, sun shading, energy-efficient equipment such as LED lighting, heat pumps and CO₂-controlled ventilation. Renewable energy sources, including thermal energy storage and solar panels, will be integrated. The basement will house student services, such as academic advisors and student affairs, as well as study and project spaces. The floors are designed flexibly and functionally, with various study and project rooms.

About University College Groningen

Since 2014, University College Groningen has been a faculty of the University of Groningen, offering a unique bachelor’s program where students largely design their own curriculum, with interdisciplinarity at its core. The small-scale education provides personal attention and encourages intensive interaction between students and faculty. The program is internationally oriented, attracting students from around the world and fostering a vibrant, diverse community, enhanced by the fact that many students live on campus. UCG prepares students for the complex challenges of our time by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to develop innovative solutions for societal issues.

After years of growth at a temporary location on Hoendiepskade, UCG will move to its permanent home in the Bladergroen Building on the Healthy Ageing Campus by mid-2027. Dean Joke Fleer states: "The Bladergroen Building allows us to provide small-scale, innovative education, exactly as our students and faculty envision. We look forward to welcoming everyone to this beautiful, future-oriented location."

Together with the Libertas residential location, the new building forms the campus where UCG students live, study, and develop.

Healthy Ageing Campus

The Bladergroen Building is part of the Healthy Ageing Campus, a dynamic area being transformed into a vibrant urban district over the coming years. In collaboration with UMCG, the Municipality of Groningen, and landscape architects, a recognizable, inviting, and green environment is emerging. The area vision for these plans was recently presented.

Planning

The renovation of the old building began in mid-2024. Staff and students of UCG are expected to use the new location by mid-2027.

Design and Construction Team

The building is being realized by: