The space where Industrial Engineering students used to gather for drinks until 2019 – The Villa – has now been turned into a garden room that can be reserved by TU/e staff. Its new name is Proteus. What was once home to daycare center De Tuimelaar is now garden room Triton. And the kiosk that used to house the staff association has been transformed into garden room Carpo.

All three have been simply furnished, but are suitable for many purposes. Brainstorming sessions, meetings, workshops, trainings, presentations, you name it. “You get a break from the workplace and it’s also a budget-friendly location, because the garden rooms are owned by TU/e,” says facility account manager Annemieke Oud.

Oud is responsible for bringing the spaces into use and showcases their features. “There’s an empty fridge and a countertop with a sink. There are waste bins and in early May, furniture for 28 people will be delivered. We currently have temporary tables and chairs because reservations have been possible since January. There are no coffee or tea facilities, nor any tableware. However, catering can be ordered.” Each garden room has two gender-neutral restrooms. There is also AV equipment, including a camera for streaming, and, of course, Wi-Fi.

Seasons

Oud wants to emphasize that these are literally garden rooms. “It will be warm in the summer and cold in the winter. There is double glazing and a small heater/air conditioner, but the large room will adjust to the outdoor temperature. However, you can open three sets of double doors in summer.”

These garden doors are surrounded by windows, and because of the view, it feels like you’re in the middle of a park. The landscaping, with plenty of greenery and shrubs, will be completed this spring. Carpo is situated by the water of the Blue Strip. Triton is closer to Eindhoven’s ring road and is already surrounded by older trees. All three garden rooms will be furnished identically with one exception: Proteus has a large refrigerator with a lock on it, designated for staff association Colleagues United.

Furniture

The tables do not have built-in outlets, but there are ten outlets along the walls. A major advantage is that the tables are foldable and the chairs stackable, making the garden rooms easy to reconfigure into an open space – to place standing tables or yoga mats, for example.

“There is no charge for use of the rooms, but everything needs to be left clean. Access is granted via a key card. After confirmation of your reservation through Book my Space (on the intranet – Ed.), you can pick up an access card at the Metaforum reception,” says Oud.

Heritage

When the Paviljoen building was finally set to be demolished – after having served as an educational building and home for IE&IS for six decades – alumni objected. Following efforts by the Van Abbe Foundation and the Stichting Wederopbouw, it was decided to preserve part of the Paviljoen as historical heritage and restore it. The forecourt, entrance and water patio have also been renovated.

The complete story of the Paviljoen can be read here. Click here to watch a video of the farewell event.