
'smarties' by marlies rohmer in utrecht, the netherlands
all images courtesy marlies rohmer
photo by scagliola en brakkee
'smarties' by amsterdam-based architect marlies rohmer is a multi-storey student dorm building
for the utrecht university campus in the netherlands. in part designed to alleviate the housing
shortage among the young population in the city of utrecht, the building offers 380 single and multiple units.

(left) street facade
photo by scagliola en brakkee
(right) facade detail
photo by akzo nobel
wrapped in a pixelated skin of multi-coloured aluminum panels, the building is a visual landmark
within the campus grounds. an open plaza under a 20 metre cantilever out front serves as an
urban meeting spot, featuring a playful swing stage for seating. the covered plaza is visually
extended beyond the entrance and lobby, creating another pocket of outdoor space in a carved out
volume from the structure's underbelly.
a number of communal spaces are provided within the complex, aiming to provide a living space
that facilitates encounters and communication among its residents.

swing in front plaza
photo by scagliola en brakkee

(left) street view
photo by akzo nobel
(right) plaza view

detail of structural slab above the entrance
photo by akzo nobel

outdoor space
photo by scagliola en brakkee

rooftop terrace

(left) windows
photo by akzo nobel
(right) views of dorm rooms
photos by scagliola en brakkee

corridor
photo by scagliola en brakkee

rendered aerial

pixelation treatment

typical floor plan

longitudinal section
- ۹۰/۰۲/۰۱