- Campus
- 07/03/2019
Elevator use and water supply back to normal in Atlas
Since last week, visitors to Atlas will no longer have to wait a long time for the elevators to arrive because workmen will no longer make regular use of the six elevators. Water supply also functions normally again. There are still some other problems that need fixing and it could take up to a year before climate control functions optimally. An evaluation is scheduled for May.
The completely renovated Atlas building, which opened its doors in January, was plagued by several teething problems during the first few weeks – not unusual for a new building. Students and staff mostly complained that they had to wait too long for the elevators to arrive. Hannie Horvath, communications advisor at Real Estate Management, says that the elevators can be used normally again now that workers will need to use them less often.
Dropping water pressure was another problem in Atlas. A temporary solution was found at the time, but the problem has now been solved permanently. It turned out the gate valves in the building’s water pipes did not function properly and needed to be repaired.
The TU/e fire department had to answer a few unnecessary calls in the beginning because the fire alarm system was not set properly. That problem has also been solved, says Horvath.
Some people also say Atlas is too cold. Real Estate Management says that it only becomes clear how much cooling and heating is needed for each individual space now that the building is fully occupied with students and staff. It could it could take up to a year before climate control functions optimally ‘in a building this size.’
Final problems
Other elements of the building will be improved soon. One such element is the ‘smart lighting,’ which makes it possible for people to adjust the lighting in their workplace. The signposting is expected to be finished by April.
The construction of the so-called DAS-system, which has to help improve cell coverage in Atlas, started February 18. Parts of the ceiling on each floor will be broken open for this. According to Horvath, this will hardly cause any discomfort for people working in the building. Construction work will be finished by the end of this month.
The ‘tips and tops’ will no longer be written down on notes and placed on a whiteboard. People can now report malfunctions at the building’s reception.
The ambassadors of all the departments and faculties that have moved into the building will evaluate the experiences of working in Atlas by the end of May.
You can find an overview of previously reported malfunctions and the responses to these here.
The official (re-)opening of the building is planned for Thursday, March 21.
Earlier this week, occupants of Atlas were asked not to leave any of their belongings in the window openings or under the blinds. This could damage the blinds and lead to dangerous situations during the summer period, when the windows open automatically for extra ventilation. Something could fall from the window openings, which could cause dangerous situations for passers-by outside Atlas. The opening of the windows might move objects around and cause damage to both the building and the objects when the windows close again.
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