MindLabs more than a building
MindLabs is the new center for innovative technology. Here, education, research and business come together under one roof. The building offers all kinds of opportunities for meeting, inspiration and research. A dynamic environment that can respond quickly to technological developments. The building is also a kind of showcase in which the tenants and partners can show what they do and the latest developments in their field. Fontys is pleased and proud of the realization of this special project. See also article "Mooiste leerfabriek van Nederland" in Bron.
Optimal environment for Journalism students
Within MindLabs, Fontys Journalism students can develop into autonomous and critical professionals. The new learning environment is fully equipped for that. The central news floor, surrounded by recording studios and editing rooms for audio and video, offers an open and realistic working environment. With the regional titles of DPG Media and publisher Zwijsen as upstairs neighbors, there is plenty of opportunity for low-threshold collaboration. The central location in the city provides an optimal environment for learning to work as a journalist.
InnovationLab ensures progress
Its location in MindLabs makes the Fontys ICT InnovationLab the hybrid learning environment of Fontys Hogeschool ICT in the heart of the Tilburg region. In addition, Fontys Hogeschool ICT retains the existing locations, such as the one on campus Stappegoor. Depending on the projects and topics students are working on, they will study at the location that suits them.
Also, this is the second Fontys ICT InnovationLab. In fact, there is already a successful location in Eindhoven at Strijp-T, in the heart of the Brainport region. In the InnovationLab, education, business and research become one and together invest in the future of ICT, media and innovation. By learning, innovating and shaping the future together. And where applied research shapes, improves and makes the world of tomorrow more inclusive.
Building
MindLabs was built on the site of the former Hall 70. This old railroad hall was renovated and expanded with new construction to a design by Ector Hoogstad Architects. The steel trusses of Hall 70 have been reused in the new building. This creates the characteristic look that brings old and new together. Construction began in August 2019 by Ballast Nedam South and BINX Smartility. The building was officially handed over on Monday, January 30. The public space is yet to be landscaped.
Other residents
Owners of the building are the municipality of Tilburg and Fontys University of Applied Sciences. Other MindLabs partners rent part of the building. Larger tenants include DPG Media, Onderwijsgroep Tilburg, Tilburg University, Uitgeverij Zwijsen and the MindLabs Association. After the commissioning by Fontys and ROC Tilburg, the other tenants will follow in the coming months. When the building is fully operational, the official grand opening will follow.
Source: Fontys.nl
