ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
The building also houses the libraries of Leiden ’ s African Studies Centre and the Middle Eastern Studies program .
Better orientation and light boost unity Cluster Zuid originally consisted of seven separate ‘ houses ’. Orientation in the building was difficult : the two courtyards were very similar and the narrow alleyways made the interior spaces dark . In addition , the dark ceilings and small windows , some with wired glass , created a closed and gloomy atmosphere .
To improve this , the central house was demolished and replaced by a new large central heart with lots of daylight . This makes it easier for visitors to better orient themselves from the central space , and the bright atrium creates a cohesive whole . New diagonal sightlines have been created from the existing houses to the heart .
The second floor was completely renovated and an eighth house with an anodised aluminium façade was added on the Maliebaan side . Van Stigt ’ s original design also included a house here , but it was never built .
Due to the protected cityscape , which means that Van Stigt ’ s original structure is a listed building , the changes to the façade have been kept to a minimum . Particularly striking are the prefabricated concrete columns with conical tops , some with round balconies , which are left fully visible in the renovated building .
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