Magazine X TU Delft

MAGAZINE X

SPECIAL EDITION

WHAT’S (Y)OUR X?

Dear reader, The role of the university is no longer quite so obvious to everyone in our current era of digitisation. The question arises if it’s still necessary to have a physical campus. Surely we’ll eventually get all the information we need via a screen? I don’t think so. In fact, I think that campuses are set to become even more important in the future.

The campus is a breeding ground for new ideas. Studying and conducting research is all about people; people and everything that goes with them. In addition, as a university, our mission is to help young people to develop into academics. This does not only require outstanding knowledge of the field, but also broad-based personal development.

One of the things that helps people in their personal development is the range on offer at X. I speak from experience. In 'my day', we had a light version of the current X. As a student, I spent a lot of time in the university sports hall. It helped make me the person I am today.

There are many sides to development and time doesn't stand still.

The expansion of the X facilities will help us to cater to the needs of the present generation of students, and also to experiment. And this is exactly what TU Delft does best; we move with the times, lead the field and above all, try to create a dynamic culture in which (young) people can unleash their passions.

I envisage a lively, exciting university, where our thoughts and deeds are guided by development and participation. Not because this is expected of us, but because this is what we want. And X will most definitely play a part.

I am sure that X will be both an educational and an entertaining experience for everyone who participates in its offer.

Rob Mudde Vice-President Education TU Delft

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"I envisage a lively, exciting university, where our thoughts and deeds are guided by development and participation"

Contents 04

Evolution X: from grassland to playground A guided tour through history

10

"This is a place where freedom rules" Vision, ambition and future

16

What's new?

Explore our new building

20

Humans of X

Get to know them, get to know X

Evolution X: from grassland to playground

Th

The history of X goes back almost

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si

4

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Axel de Haas, communication officer at X.

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on a historical guided tour, seen through the eyes of

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of those years. Teachers from yesteryear take us

in

have been part of the organisation for most

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this transformation than the people who

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since then. Who better to describe

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seven decades. A lot has changed

"I'm so proud of what's been achieved.

I feel privileged to work here" Willem Tuyn boxing instructor

"Do you see that over there, in the distance?", Willem Tuyn (63) asks, standing with his back to the new building.

He's referring to the car park on Van den Broekweg. "That used to be full of mobile homes and caravans housing students. I think there was an even bigger shortage of student housing then than there is now. In the mornings, they came to the Sports Centre with their towels hanging over their shoulders to have a shower or to use the toilet.

It’s hard to imagine such a situation today, right?"

I listen to his anecdote in pure amazement. Tuyn used to be an international baseball player and coach of the Dutch national baseball squad. He currently works as a boxing trainer at X, but has been teaching different sports at X for almost forty years now. How long exactly? It has slipped his mind. Tuyn shows me around the complex, a place I've got to know fairly well over the past year as a staff member staff. He and three other teachers take me on a trip down memory lane.

"In the past, sports instructors had to be good at everything: as well as giving volleyball training, I also coached and trained rugby teams" Jan Sikking basketball coach

Sports foundation The first pages of the book called X take us back to Friday 29 May 1959. This was the day that the foundation's sports complex, with its eye-catching arched hall, first opened its doors. You simply couldn't the miss this organically shaped building in the middle of the bare expanse of fields. The semi-circular roof of the sports hall appeared to rise mysteriously from the landscape. The construction, made from wooden rafters glued together, spanned a total width of almost fifty metres, making it the longest wooden span in the Netherlands at the time.

At the beginning, the characteristic hall was named the Bernard van Leer Hall, in honour of a philanthropist who made his fortune in the packaging industry and donated

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a substantial sum so that the sports complex could be built. People stopped using the name as the years went by and after a while, the hall became known as 'Hall 1'.

Visitors came to identify it with their own local heroes.

During my guided tour, Tuyn took me into the arched hall.

The first thing I noticed was an ode to one of these local sports icons. Tuyn glanced at the framed basketball shirt hanging in its place of honour on the wall opposite the stands: "This was Jan Sikking country."

Jan Sikking (75) spent almost fifty years working at X. He started in 1969, teaching various branches of sport.

His speciality? Basketball. In his years as trainer/coach, Sikking saw countless Punch Delft teams come and go.

In 1971, the 94-time Dutch international started playing in the first team himself and the club went from strength to strength. With Sikking as captain, they won the cup in 1974, and in 1975 Punch Delft won the Dutch league for the second and last time in club history. "That was fairly unique for a student sports club", he remembers.

Sikking is still trainer/coach at Punch in 2018, but nowadays this is his only role at X. He has warm, nostalgic memories of the past. "It was a different time. In the past, sports instructors had to be good at everything: as well as giving volleyball training, I also coached and trained rugby teams. These days, instructors are specialised in one sport." "Indeed, times have changed", Tuyn continues.

"At the time, we had a small team of sports teachers and there were fewer students, so we all knew each other."

Tuyn and I continue along our way. Our conversations veer from past to present to future and back again, depending where we happen to be. Tuyn suddenly stops.

"When I started at the Sports Centre, it was just an empty space." We stand on the forecourt, when Tuyn points to the former Culture building.

Muzisch Centrum Anyone with an eye for detail will have noticed the name Cees Rotteveel (1938-2000) in the Culture building, now Freetown. It's a name that probably rings a bell among TU Delft veterans. Rotteveel worked for the university from 1973 as conductor of the Krashna Musika musical society.

His main objective was to improve the cultural climate on the campus. It is said that Rotteveel was a passionate man, with great powers of conviction. So it’s hardly surprising that his legacy included a cultural centre. It was called the 'Muzisch Centrum' and was originally located on Ezelsveldlaan, in the centre of Delft.

"Cees had very definite ideas about how people should experience art and culture", Wytze van der Zweep (67) recalls. He has been teaching percussion courses at X since 1983. I met him in his 'natural environment', surrounded by five drum kits. "Anyone who thought differently had to come up with very good arguments to convince him

"I'm really excited what's to come. Now, X is so much more than just sports and culture" Wytze van der Zweep drum teacher

otherwise. And if he didn’t agree, it wasn’t going to

the classrooms were dreadful, there was no cushioning

happen." A lot of hard work went into realising the cultural

for the sound. If more than one percussionist was playing,

dream in the building on Ezelsveldlaan. But the conditions

it was just a din. Your ears were ringing by the time you

left a lot to be desired, as Van der Zweep remembers. "It

were finished."

was an old building with high ceilings. The acoustics in 1995 saw the move to the building on Mekelweg, with its

"It is fantastic that Sports and Culture have joined forces.

It unites the whole organisation" Willem Tuyn boxing instructor

characteristic orange, ceramic façade. It was a madeto-measure solution; every room had been designed for purpose. This included a drum room with the right acoustics, designed 'specially' for Van der Zweep. The name 'Muzisch Centrum' was abandoned to make way for a new name: the 'Culture Centre'. From that moment on, Sports and Culture were next-door neighbours. And what a satisfactory union this proved to be.

Present Led by the current X director Raymond Browne, in 2003 the focus shifted to uniting Sports and Culture. It was to become a playground on campus. Some massive steps have been taken over the past fifteen years: the shift from two separate units to X. A place not only for sports and cultural activities, but where everything revolves around the personal development of the students. Activities are not the objective, but the means to an end.

"In the past, the aim of ceramics classes was to make a high-quality, beautiful object", explains Ellen Rijsdorp (55), in her characteristically calm voice. She has been teaching ceramics classes at X since 2002. "Now, I focus on the needs of the students. I try to use ceramics as a way of helping them to clear their heads. Classes and courses should not only be about making something beautiful, but about relaxing as well." The teachers have noticed that students are under greater pressure to pass their degree programme within the nominal study period these days. They aren't as keen to commit to long-term activities, as they were used to in the past.

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Another important development, clearly reflected on the campus, is globalisation. "I always have a few international players on my team", says Sikking. "You used to be able to count the number of international students at the Sports Centre on the fingers of one hand, so to speak." Tuyn has noticed that his classes are becoming increasingly attractive to an international public. He can definitely see advantages. "Sometimes I'm amazed. When someone who is really, really talented walks in, for example.

Not long ago, we had a Ukrainian student who started boxing here. He held the national title in his country.

My other pupils can learn so much from lads like this."

"Now, I focus on the needs of the students.

I use ceramics as a way of helping them to clear their heads" Ellen Rijsdorp ceramics teacher

It's inspiring to hear how the teachers look back at the past, how they have experienced the changes and how they've moved with the times. It's typical of the type of people behind X. They think in terms of solutions rather than problems. They work so hard to help students develop their talents or 'simply' offer them the chance to relax.

Future Now the guided tour is nearly over it's time to look forward rather than backwards. "I'm really excited for what's to come", says Wytze van der Zweep. "Initiatives like the Campus Farm, ACTlab and Free Town broaden the offer in many ways. Now, X is so much more than just sports and culture." Willem Tuyn feels the same way. "I'm really looking forward to seeing what's going to happen now the new building is officially open. It's fantastic that Sports and Culture have finally joined forces. It unites the whole organisation. I'm so proud of what's been achieved.

Everyone has worked hard to create such a great place for the students. I feel privileged to work here."

After Tuyn's positive final words, it's time to say goodbye.

I thank him for the guided tour and an exclusive peek into the organisations history. We shake hands. In my enthusiasm, I promise him I'd take part in one of his boxing classes sometime. See you then.

X director Raymond Browne on the balcony of the new entrance hall 10

"This is a place where freedom rules"

Over the past few years, the former Sports & Culture complex has undergone a true transformation, which is directly visible to the naked eye. A brand-new building connects the former Sports and Culture buildings, and a new name has appeared on the spotless faรงade: X. But what isn't immediately obvious? The reason behind this transformation.

The world is in a constant state of flux, and TU Delft and

Raymond Browne, who witnessed the start of the Culture

its campus are by no means immune. The university's

Centre, tells the following anecdote to illustrate how this

student population is growing steadily and the students

goal worked out in practice. "A timid Chinese student

themselves are changing with the times. The living

came on stage during a presentation night. It was very

campus is a hot topic. As well as being an innovative

clear that this was the first time she'd ever made a public

place to study and work, the campus is also a place that

appearance. She sang a little out of tune, but it wasn't

encourages more general personal development of its

about that. She triumphed, conquered her fear. You

'residents', a place for a meeting of minds, creativity and

could see that went through a life-changing experience,

relaxation.

something she'd tell her grandchildren about in years to come."

And this is exactly what X strives to be. A place where you can develop the talents that won’t always be developed

Fusion & growth

in an academic education, but which are nevertheless

In the mid-2000s, the Sports and Culture Centres merged

invaluable throughout your life. A few closely involved

to form Sports & Culture. What was the vision behind this?

people tell us about the development, the transformation

Sports and culture should not be separate entities. They

and the dreams of X: director Raymond Browne, director

have a common goal: to help students to develop.

of Education & Student Affairs (E&SA) Timo Kos and head Corporate Communication Evelyne Esveld.

The idea of expanding the facilities gradually began to take shape in the years that followed. In 2016, the long-

"She triumphed, conquered her fear.

You could see that she went through a life-changing experience" Raymond Browne director of X

awaited moment finally arrived and the first pile was driven into the ground. The reason for the expansion was simple: the growing number of students. The student population at TU Delft has been rising for years, from almost 16,000 in 2008 to over 23,000 in 2017. And this impacts on X. Whereas in 2003 ‘only’ around 7,000 people paid a total of 300,000 visits per year, in 2017 almost 14,000 used the facilities around 1.3 million times.

TU Delft's Education & Student Affairs (E&SA) director and commissioning party for the new building Timo Kos has an explanation for the rising number of students.

He understands why this is affecting the need for other facilities. "The group of international students at the university is still increasing. At first, they don't have a

To understand the origins of these ambitions, we need to

social network in Delft to fall back on, so they focus all

go back in time. After all, there is no future without a past.

their attention on their studies. They often look for easy ways of relaxing and developing, rather than joining

History

clubs and societies."

The basis for X was laid halfway through the last century, when the Sports Centre opened its doors. The arched

"We are seeing this tendency towards individualisation

roof of the building stood out against the wide, barren

throughout society", adds Browne. "Having said this, Delft

landscape. When the first stone was laid, who would

is still very much a city of associations. 30 percent of

have thought that the 'Sports foundation' would flourish,

students join an association, while the national average is

becoming a place where you can take tech courses, come

8 percent. We have a lot of associations operating within

for advice of a psychologist and where the canteen has

X, but we also want to serve the other 70 percent. We pay

evolved into a fully-fledged restaurant?

special attention to the needs of this group. That's why we started offering more and more individual classes in the

The cultural counterpart and future companion to the

last ten years. And we notice that it works."

Sports Centre first saw the light of day in 1979. In the beginning, the emphasis was on culture with a capital C,

"TU Delft is still growing. It's important to keep connecting

but things changed as the years went by. More and more

this ever-increasing group of people using the campus",

the emphasis on the development of individual students

says Kos. "X is the perfect place. Here, people can meet

began to take precedence. In fact, students became

each other, expand their personal and professional

'Students' with a capital S. This change in vision signalled

networks and develop their talents outside their studies.

the birth of the most important aim of X: to encourage the

X is helping to unite the academic community, which is

personal development of students.

another important job for our university."

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"It's important to keep connecting this everincreasing group of people using the campus" Timo Kos director of Education & Student Affairs

"I'm really proud of how TU Delft is thinking outside the box and has the courage to put its ideas into practice" Evelyne Esveld head Corporate Communication Identity Although the renovation was a dire necessity, it also provided a great opportunity to realise the ambition of becoming a campus playground, with more on offer than just sports and culture. Evelyne Esveld, head Corporate Communication, was involved right from the start of the renovation process. She is delighted with the developments. "I believe that in 2018, there are more ways for young people to relax and let off steam than just sports and culture. It's great to see all those new initiatives being launched at X. I'm really proud of how TU Delft is thinking outside the box and has the courage to put its ideas into practice."

Over the past few years, a lot of steps have already been taken. X has organised numerous events, such as theatre performances, lectures and workshops. And now they've come up with something extra. The new building will accommodate a concept store, a lab where arts, crafts and technology converge, and a place with a special focus on well-being. The outdoor area is home to the Campus Farm, where students can grow their own crops.

Browne’s ultimate dream is to see cows grazing in the grounds of X. His eyes lighten up when he starts talking about his dreams: "It would be an amazing experiment, because it goes against everything people expect of a technology campus. The same applies to Freetown, in the old Culture building. It’s a place where students are in charge and which I hope will be the first building on the campus to be open 24/7." "It's just great that there'll be a place that will be allowed to develop organically", adds Esveld. "A place where students can decide what happens without everything being set in stone. It encourages creativity and initiative. I'm really interested to see how things develop."

The entire X organisation is working hard to do its bit for the campus. They always have this particular goal in mind, Browne concludes: "The academic development that takes place within a university of technology is always subject to the strict laws of science. At X, we can encourage a different type of development, outside the confines of the academic framework, but nonetheless an essential part of training creative, responsible engineers.

This is a place where freedom rules."

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"At X I don’t have to think about my studies, while I am still in the middle of the buzzing college life" Jeroen van Wessem (27) MSc Structural Engineering

"It’s great that there is a place on campus where everyone can explore their passions" Sybe Duyts (22) BSc Industrial Design

"It would be amazing if we can maintain that strong sense of community in this huge building" Tjits Tuinhof (25) MSc Integrated Product Design

"X offers me a welcome distraction during my hectic days as a graduate student" Kinan Sutopo (24) MSc Aircraft Noise & Climate Effects

X3

What's new?

It all started with a sports centre almost sixty years ago.

Now, you can participate in over one hundred courses and lessons, join all kinds of events and even grow your own fruits and vegetables at the Campus Farm.

And that's not all. Our renewed building is home to various new places and initiatives: the new halls, the Playground and Freetown.

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Halls

The most important reason for expanding the facilities of X? A lack of space for the constantly growing number of visitors. While drawing up the building plans, the realization of new sports halls was the number one priority. And now, they are finally there! Have a look at the photos, but feel free to come visit us to see our new facilities in real life.

Aerobics

Body & Mind

Dojo

Playground The Playground is located in the new entrance hall of

If you haven't visited the Playground for a while,

X and fulfils an important, connecting role. It doesn't

there’s quite a high probability that you’ll discover

only link the former Sports & Culture buildings, but

something new.

also tells the story of X: change as a constant factor in an ever-changing world.

There's also room for new initiatives, where you can be part of. You can add your own colour to the

The Playground is a chameleon that smoothly adapts

Playground, make discoveries, create and exhibit.

to the evolving needs of its users. The modular

Although the character is fluid and we aim to surprise

character ensures that it can respond to the needs of

every you time you walk through the doors, these

young people, and remain inspirational and relevant.

three specials are a taster of what you can expect.

ACTlab

Boost

Do you enjoy experimenting, designing and seeing your

Boost is there for you. On a campus that is steadily

designs become reality? You can do all of this at the

growing, there might be a risk that we lose sight of the

ACTlab: the technological heart of X where innovation

personal touch. That's why we want to provide a place

takes centre stage. The courses, projects and community

on campus that revolves around you. A place that will

evenings are an opportunity for the worlds of artists,

help you to stay balanced, and where we believe that

craftspeople, designers and scientists to converge.

prevention is better than cure.

This is a place which is about co-creation. Renewal is the

Boost offers expertise in various fields. Did you twist your

basic principle of the ACTlab. Technology is developing at

ankle during training? Come to the physiotherapist for

breakneck speed and the lab can't afford to lag behind.

advice or make an appointment with the masseur. Are

Every period, the lab is being redesigned to feature a

your studies stressing you out? Drop in for a chat with

different, current, innovative aspect of technology.

the psychologist. But you can also come by for nutritional

At the ACTlab you can roll up your sleeves and start

advice or even a beauty treatment.

experimenting. Show other people your special skills, and

Our specialists join forces to give the best possible help in

broaden your horizons by working alongside specialists

an informal setting. You'll get one-to-one advice that you

from other fields. Who knows what kind of technological

can then put into practice yourself. Don't hesitate if you

miracles will emerge?

could use a helping hand.

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Concept Store The <First> Story At the Concept Store The <First> Story you can buy articles for your classes or courses, as well as typical concept store products. You can also grab something to eat and drink here, but the characteristic feature of the shop is the role played by the students themselves.

The concept didn't only come from students, but they're running The <First> Story too. The store is a place for students of different levels of entrepreneurship to meet and work together. It's a great opportunity to get some retail experience on campus and discover your entrepreneurial spirit, coached by someone from the organisation.

Every now and then, the store will undergo a total makeover â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from design to fragrance to stock â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to introduce shoppers to a particular theme, trend or challenge. The <First> Story is all about getting together. It's a place where all the worlds represented in and outside X meet, making it a vital part of the Playground.

Freetown Freetown, the free haven of X and TU Delft, is situated in the former Culture building. It is a place with a minimum of rules, where students are expected to show initiative and a sense of responsibility. It's the perfect place to meet up, bump into people and simply relax.

Freetown is designed to be a home from home for students. Whether you want to chill in the living room, improve your culinary skills in the open-plan kitchen or spend some time jamming with friends in the freezone or in the courtyard; it's entirely up to you. You're free to make whatever use you want of the rooms and space. Pushing back boundaries is part of the fun.

Prepare to expect the unexpected. Freetown is different, a little quirky, a place that lives and breathes creativity. Surrounded by rooms where students are playing music, practising their manual skills and making theatre, you can't help but become creative. Come and see for yourself!

Humans of

How do you get to know an organisation? Right, by all the people who are part of it. We bring you some personal stories of people who work at X. Who are those people you bump into in corridors of the complex from time to time?

Get to know them, get to know X. 20

"The biggest compliment I can get is when a student tells me that I helped him or her to have an interesting, educational journey" Nicole Bulk (49) Sports coordinator "My roots are in Twente, in the east of the Netherlands.

That's where I was born and raised. It was my sport, canoeing, that took me to the other side of the country at nineteen. I'd made it to the international top in canoeing, a minority sport in the Netherlands but very big elsewhere in the world. I learned a lot during this period, I developed as a person.

My current job at X has also helped make me the person I am today. It has changed my perspective. As a top sportswoman, performance was everything. Now I want to provide a platform where students can enjoy themselves, where they can explore their talents and where performance has a different ring to it than on the rest of the campus. The ultimate benefit? Personal growth.

My job brings me into contact with the student board members of the student sports clubs. The biggest compliment I can get is when a student board member tells me that I helped them to have an interesting, educational journey during their year on the board. A journey with lessons that proved useful and which they will remember and apply in ten yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time. That gives me great satisfaction."

"I am very grateful to X for allowing me to contribute my skills and passion" Christine Nolan (27)

Cafe supervisor and coach at Concept Store The <First> Story "I grew up in Brisbane, Australia. Since I was a child I had

my trip, meeting new people each day, I met my Dutch

dreamed of exploring the world. The thrill of meeting new

boyfriend. We travelled for a few weeks together, sparks

people and experiencing cultures so far from my own,

flew, and some months later I found myself picking him up

both socially and geographically, intrigued me. After

from the airport in my home city.

graduating from university in Australia, I booked a flight, packed a bag and left for a six month backpacking trip.

After living in Australia for a year, I again found that strong desire to get out and see more of the world. I

With almost nothing planned, I had no idea that this

packed my bags again, said my goodbyes and arrived

experience would shape my entire life. Somewhere along

in the beautiful, quaint city of Delft. I knew finding work would be a challenge. After a while, I got a job at Cafe X. I instantly felt connected with X as I walked in the doors.

Just two months later I was promoted to supervisor.

Unfortunately after just a year I had to go back to Australia for a year, as my work visa expired. After sorting out a more permanent visa I came back to the Netherlands and was given my job back as a supervisor. A little later, I was asked to help getting the new concept store up and running to create a space that is interesting and edgy to visit as a guest.

I am grateful to X for welcoming me back into such a vibrant and social organisation, and for allowing me to continue to contribute my skills and passion."

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JĂśrgen Langedijk (49) Programme officer logistics

"I grew up in Heiloo, in the Dutch province of North

I like to be of service by nature. Teachers and students

Holland. When I was eighteen years old, I moved to Delft

come to me with a question about the equipment or a

to study Industrial Design. During my college days, I both

small problem, which I can often answer or solve. Making

worked in restaurants and bars. Furthermore I worked as

sure a band gets a replacement amplifier or fixing a

an animator and an illustrator on a freelance basis. My

television screen for the salsa association, that kind of

lack of interest in my studies, my poor attention span and

stuff. I get a smile and gratitude in return. It makes me

the fact that I liked working way better than studying,

feel good.

made me quit my studies after a year and a half.

After all, in my opinion itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the little things in life that make In the years that followed, I kept working in bars, while

all the difference. When I was around my thirties, I slipped

focusing on my freelance activities. In 2008, when the

into a depression very badly for three years. With the

financial crisis arose, I realized how vulnerable I was as a

support of my loved ones, I got back on my feet again.

freelancer. At the time I was 38 years old, I lost my apartment

During that time, I learned that you can be important to

in the city centre of Delft due to financial difficulties.

someone, just by saying something nice or reaching out

It was a tremendous setback. In search of greater

to him or her, without an ulterior motive. It illustrates my

security, I started looking for a part-time job. Eventually,

way of being in the world."

in 2014, I ended up at X, in a role which suits me well.

"I learned that you can be important to someone, just by saying something nice or reaching out to him or her"

Pieter Lemmens (58)

Photographer and teacher digital photography "I was born and raised in The Hague, the Netherlands.

After I got through the conscription, I started art school

After I graduated high school I had to serve in the military.

after all. In the end I graduated as a fashion and beauty

There, I experienced that eighteen months can feel like

photographer. Over the years I became more and

forever. Because at the time I already knew what I really

more all-round, with a particular fondness for portrait

wanted to do: go to art school in Breda. My application

photography. Now, I work as a digital photography

was already accepted before I even received the call of

teacher at X since 2004, alongside my freelance activities.

duty.

As a teacher, I find myself indebted to one of my own teachers from the past. From him, I learned more than from all of my other teachers combined. I want to pass on his lessons and vision. I want to provide a safe environment for my students, in which they are allowed to experiment.

Because in the end you learn more from your failures than your successes."

"I want to provide a safe environment for my students, in which they are allowed to experiment"

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Emily Fenton (24)

Programme officer & team leader hosts "I moved to Delft seven years ago from my home town of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. I always wanted to live in Europe, as a bit of a history buff. When I got the chance, I moved to Delft as a gap year after high school. And then somehow or another, I never left.

After I graduated from Leiden University, I did a board year at Krashna Musika, one of the student associations attached to X. I was lucky because it led me to the job that I have now. For me, it’s a perfect fit. Everyone is enthusiastic, motivated, and works too much because they like their job so much and because they see the importance of X. The thing is that students tend to lose themselves in their studies. Mostly this is a good thing, but sometimes I feel sorry for them if they don’t make time for the nice things in life. At X, I feel like I can bring those things closer to the stressed-out students. It's great to see them relaxing in an environment that we have built just for them.

A typical example was an evening in the winter when I was hostess. Due to a big snow storm, all classes had been cancelled and so it was really quiet at X. Despite these weather conditions, 25 members of Krashna Musika showed up, covered in snow, with ingredients for hot chocolate and Glühwein.

They didn’t have rehearsal or anything, they thought of X as a place they could come together in the middle of a storm, to be together and enjoy the winter. I thought that was just great, that they thought of X as a good place to come when they just wanted to relax."

"It is great to see students relaxing in an environment that we have built just for them"

"Because of the wide choice of activities, there is something for everyone" Marijke Blom (23) MSc Architecture Student Council member

"X offers an ideal environment to develop myself as a human being" Jochem Vlug (25) MSc Engineering and Policy Analysis

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"With the unification of Sports and Culture, I hope that visitors will explore each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worlds even more" Oukje van Merle (26) MSc Urbanism and MSc Science Communication

"At X I get to meet people with a lot of different backgrounds, who I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have met during my studies" Lotte Bryan (21) BSc Applied Mathematics

"Encounters with people with all kinds of passions motivate me to try activities which are out of my comfort zone"

Colophon Interviews Axel de Haas

Danilo Remmers (20) BSc Nanobiology

Ellister van der Molen

Editors Axel de Haas

Photography Frank AuperlĂŠ Esther de Cuijper Pieter Lemmens Cheng-Kai Wang

Design Bureau Boom Walvis & Mosmans August 2018

Get in touch

"Whether you play volleyball or go to your ceramics class, you always forget your study-related stress" Nikki de Boer (26) Msc Architecture

X TU Delft

Mekelweg 8-10

2628 CD Delft

+31 (0)15 - 278 24 42

hosts-x@tudelft.nl

tudelft.nl/X

X TU Delft

X TU Delft

+31 (0)6 - 82 76 89 13

Xplore yourself. Xpand your playground.