Social cohesion


we propose...

In order to convey a coherent and consistent message about sustainability, the campus needs to function as a unit. Each of the parties at campus do their part to contribute to a single vision. By successful cooperation and interaction, emergent properties arise.


To create a unified identity for Zernike Campus and improve social cohesion, the physical and communicational gap between the north and south needs to be bridged by improving the interaction between students and other parties at campus. The proposed innovations should

  • Increase intimacy

  • Support development of education and culture,

  • Provide recreational facilities and accessible green space.


We believe that the following interventions will contribute to unification of the campus, bringing together different parties under a single vision, as outlined by our other innovations

Online platforms & the Zernike app

This is a virtual space for students, teachers, businesses and scholars to interact and exchange information and ideas. The platform would support the sustainaboards, and allow a wide range of possible ways in which to interact with different parties:

  • Reservations of study spots, books, sports courts

  • Ordering food at the food court could also be included

  • Information about developments at campus, from behind the screens

  • Activities that are accessible to everyone. For example, the Sustainability Crash Courses could be advertised on here as well

  • Real time information about sustainability at the campus (e.g. water saved through using water from roofs for toilets, or live streams inside nest boxes)

Food trucks

Food trucks with organic foods or student-grown crops could support the attractiveness of ‘social nodes’, for all user groups. These food trucks are rather versatile. Location and type of food served could change periodically, to keep things lively.

A vegetable patch in a greenhouse that students have access to grow and perhaps sell vegetables to these food trucks will further involve students in participation in the campus, creating further cohesion. A former student patch "Frankville" was removed, unfortunately. However, in line with the self-organised meetings, a student patch or greenhouse might become reality again. This is dependent on the willingness from proactive students or participants and may be more feasible if student accommodation on campus becomes a reality.

central meeting place

Zernike Campus sorely misses a heart, a central meeting place where all visitors of the campus can meet. This central meeting place would provide amenities for the different types of users at campus, and allow them to interact with each other.

  • Eating and drinking establishments, where people from different organisations interact

  • Study areas

  • Conference rooms

This could take on a range of different forms, from a simple bench to an event terrain to a full-fledged building. An ideal location would be the ‘hook’ of the Kapteynborg.


The image above is of the CIRCL building, in Amsterdam. It has been constructed 100% sustainably, and was an inspiration to the idea of a central meeting place.

bernoulli park

Located between the Bernoulliborg, the Linnaeusborg and the Energy Academy, we see high potential in the current ‘amphitheater’ which is placed here. Adding several natural elements which improve biodiversity and amenities for users, can have a major impact on connecting students outside the buildings.

  • Removing/repurposing the concrete blocks and add a pond with a water feature

  • Water features are proven to reduce stress and improve overall well being as water has a similar effect on the brain as meditation

  • Having a water feature with a large seating area, including benches, around it allows for users of campus to use this as a meeting area or somewhere to go for breaks

  • This area is also away from the main Zernikelaan so will not be disrupted by traffic noise