Roof garden, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands

To improve the quality of the university grounds and prepare the campus for an international future, Erasmus University initiated the ambitious master plan 'Campus in Development'. This plan aims not only to improve the campus functionally, but also to make it more attractive and sustainable for students, staff and visitors from all over the world. The design was developed in close cooperation with various stakeholders and constantly refined, resulting in important new features such as modern student accommodation, a dynamic pavilion and the green, vibrant heart of the campus.

One of the most eye-catching changes concerns the redesign of the heart of the campus, where all vehicular traffic has been accommodated below ground level. This has created a safe and inviting park-like environment, complete with an extensive water feature and beautiful, multi-stemmed trees. These trees were selected not only for their aesthetic value, but also for their contribution to the biodiversity and microclimate of the campus. Species with special colour accents and seasonal attractiveness were chosen when selecting these characteristic multi-stem trees.

An illustrative example of these carefully chosen species is the Acer ×freemanii 'Autumn Blaze', known for its spectacular fire-red autumn colouring that gives the campus a warm and vibrant appearance in autumn. In addition, Prunus serrula was selected for its unique red-brown, flaking bark, which adds a special texture and colour to the landscape in every season. These trees contribute to the aesthetic diversity and natural beauty of the campus, as well as providing shade and cooling during hot days.

The 'Campus in Development' master plan is more than just a building project; it is a vision for the future of Erasmus University. By investing in high-quality infrastructure and green spaces, it creates an environment that promotes learning, working and relaxation. The green heart of the campus acts as a meeting place for students and staff, where they can enjoy nature and escape for a while from the hustle and bustle of academic life. With this, Erasmus University takes a significant step towards a sustainable and inspiring campus, ready for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.