Campus university, The Hague

From department store to knowledge hub
These former department stores boast impressive spans, generous floor heights, and expansive interiors. Take, for example, our location in The Hague, with over 35,000 square meters of space, 20,000 of which awaited a new purpose. A solution has emerged: the building's structure aligns perfectly with educational facilities. CBRE Investment Management, the Municipality of The Hague, and Leiden University collaborated to create a vibrant hub in the heart of the city. The Technical University of Delft, Open University, and Universities of the Netherlands also joined the initiative.

The opportunity to transform this heritage is a win-win—for new occupants and for The Hague. This former department store ideally supports its new educational role. The 'Spuigebouw' is strategically located for Leiden University, within walking distance of other faculties that together form Campus The Hague. This university setting revitalizes the city center, even outside regular shopping hours. Facilities like sports and student-friendly dining are thoughtfully integrated into this historic space.

A glimpse into history
Our building has a rich history. The Spui location dates back to 1930, designed by Jan Kuijt, V&D's esteemed architect. In this design, he fused functional expressionism with the distinctive Amsterdam School architectural style. Iconic mushroom columns and coffered ceilings from that era still grace the building. Over the years, the structure underwent several transformations to keep up with evolving trends in retail architecture: a modernization in the late 1950s, followed by expansions in 1964 and contractions in the late 1970s, culminating in the preparation for Hudson's Bay's arrival in 2018.

History meets the future
The redesign for CBRE Investment Management is a creation of LIAG architects and engineers. JHK Architects, on behalf of Leiden University and its partners, is further developing the interior design. This marks a new chapter for this once-empty department store. The building's adaptable structure welcomes reuse, new construction, and its envisioned change of purpose. The objective is clear: unite various building elements, span different eras, and create a future-ready building while preserving its historical essence.

The existing facade had deteriorated over time, calling for two significant interventions. First, the monumental facade with its historic entrance on Spui is being meticulously restored to its former glory, soon to bear a new name. Around 4,000 students and staff will enter through this grand entrance, just as shoppers did in the past. Second, the facades on Spuistraat and Grote Markstraat are being reimagined with a sleek rhythm of openings. These windows will no longer showcase merchandise but will proudly exhibit the building's new purpose to the outside world. In turn, they invite the 'Hague' spirit inside, with views of the buildings that define the city of Peace and Justice.

We frequently pay homage to the past, both inside and out. Though this space no longer caters primarily to shoppers, it will become a place where students and staff will love to spend time. An inviting pathway leads them past lecture halls, amenities like dining options, and various study and workspaces. They'll enjoy glimpses of nearby shopping streets or a secluded rooftop garden. Upon reaching the top, they'll be rewarded with breathtaking views from the rooftop terrace overlooking the 'Binnenhof' (the heart of the Dutch democracy).