The topping out of the ROC ID College in the historic centre of Leiden was celebrated today. The Mecanoo-designed school for vocational training will house three departments that are currently located separately across the town. Integrating the existing facade of the former post office is one of the ways in which the design is connected to the character of the location.
Developed by Mecanoo and GiesbersWijchen, the new building for ID College will respect and enhance the current structure and identity of the historic centre of Leiden. Behind brick facades, several building components create a sheltered inside world with an intimate atmosphere, reflecting the small scale of the town.
The school will be connected with the main urban structure by alleys and courtyards. A central, semi-public lane runs across the complex giving the public access to the central atrium during school hours. Behind large shop windows, practice rooms and public functions, such as a hair salon run by students, are located at street level.
Now the building has topped out, work will continue to complete the project. ROC ID College is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2016.