Architect Ruben Smits explains the principles of The Cube

Date
1 December 2022

Senior architect Ruben Smits explains how student complex The Cube in Utrecht was designed: “In less than 1.5 years, an iconic building was realized with 639 student residences and commercial space. We wanted to create a striking design that connects the environment and the adjacent buildings ”

The Cube is a new student complex in the center of Utrecht. The building comprises two sixteen-storey stepped towers that interlock. The Cube mainly consists of small, separate residential units for students with a surface area of approximately 21 m². The building has a flexible layout. For example, two units can be combined into a two-room apartment. Students can also use many shared facilities, such as relaxation areas and study rooms, laundry rooms, bicycle sheds and a roof terrace on each floor.

“We wanted to create a multifunctional complex with both student housing and commercial space, which would also be a remarkable eye-catcher in the renovated Overvecht district. The design responds to the desire to focus on Healthy Urban Living (healthy living in an urban environment).”

Video by Van der Sanden

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