Sjoerd Marijnissen
Heritage & Architecture
The Learner’s Institute: Erudition
What if we become uomini universali? In Zutphen, city of education, students already develop multiple intelligences, but more focus on innovation is required. So, embedded in Zutphens medieval urban fabric lies a new typology for all people eager to learn, consisting of a school, museum and an archive: Erudition. The building answers to the needs of a changing society and aims to preserve and continue the storyline of adjacent cultural identities. On all levels values of close surroundings are reflected. Social sustainability is encouraged by allowing heritage to form new memories which let cultural identity develop rather than being fixed and conserved. The densification of the former historical urban fabric results in a more suitable porosity and creates tension. Multiple engaging atmospheres typical for medieval cities are merged within building and site. The place now becomes a unique vibrant place for visitors and students to fully develop and interact freely.