Student square (Studentenplein)The student square (Studentenplein) in Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat between buildings the Ufo, De Brug and Technicum will get a renewed layout. The works will run from May until the end of 2025.
The student square (Studentenplein) in Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat between buildings the Ufo, De Brug and Technicum will get a renewed layout. The works will run from May until the end of 2025.
Meeting place and events
This square will become a central meeting place. Together with fellow students, you’ll be able to hang out on benches under the trees or take a short break between classes.
In front of the cafeteria of De Brug, a large picnic table will be installed where you can have lunch or relax.
In addition, the square is well suited for small events: think of markets, stalls, open-air films, and more.
Smart and sustainable design
The student square was designed by DBLV architects.
There will be two tree circles with seating around them: one around the existing tree, and another around newly planted trees. These trees help with water drainage, as the square slopes slightly in that direction. Rainwater will seep into the soil through mosaic paving stones with open joints.
Bicycle parking: Around 200 parking spaces for bikes will be created, spread over the bicycle ramp and along the edges of the square. The central zone will remain bike-free, so the square can function optimally as a meeting place.
The square remains car-free: Only authorised vehicles for emergency and essential services (fire brigade, waste collection, deliveries) will be able to access the square via a service entrance.
Energy generation beneath the student square
Before the square was constructed, the rooms located underneath it were cleaned up, and the roof slab was reinforced with steel porticos.
In January and February 2025, a borehole energy storage field (a system that stores heat and cold underground via deep boreholes) was installed to provide fossil-free heating and cooling to nearby buildings, primarily for building T4.
More about Campus Ufo: building projects
On Campus Ufo a new student centre will be built, the Rectorate and its car park will be thoroughly renovated, and building T4 will be given a new purpose.
