The Green Carpet and TU/e Science Park
In 2012, MTD landscape architects developed De Groene Loper (Green Carpet) master plan for the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) campus. This vision laid the foundation for the campus transition into a ‘TU/e Science Park of national importance and international stature’; a high-quality, nature-inclusive campus focused on livability, biodiversity, and ecological value. The Green Carpet, located between the Dommel River and the new Faculty of Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering, emerged as one of the most important visual and functional elements of the new campus. Where once car traffic and parking lots dominated, a vibrant, green space has emerged for students, staff, and visitors to enjoy.

Mobility and Spatial Strategy
The first strategic goal of the Groene Loper concept was to restructure mobility, reducing vehicular access and prioritizing pedestrian movement. A central scenic route was introduced, beginning in the natural setting of the Dommeldal to the west and stretching eastward to the new faculty building.

This pathway not only enhanced accessibility but also created spatial coherence. Entrances of major buildings were aligned along the route, and the floor of the Markthal integrated seamlessly into it. The design ensured that slow traffic was welcomed, and the user experience became central to the spatial layout.

Human-Centered Public Space
The second strategic aim was to emphasize user experience. The route, with MetaForum as a focal point, invited interaction, meeting, and social activity. The historic pond near the main building became a multifunctional public space — ideal for working, lunch breaks, and informal gatherings. At the eastern edge, a naturally formed amphitheatre provided sunlit seating with views toward the Dommel.
These design elements served not only a practical function but also elevated the campus’s aesthetic and social quality. Carefully designed LED lighting and architectural details — such as transitions between path, pond, and seating — contributed to the distinctive character of the Groene Loper.

Green Connectivity and Identity
The third design goal focused on green continuity throughout the Science Park. The area west of the main building reestablished a strong connection to the Dommeldal landscape. The restored pond anchored the orthogonal campus structure, while surrounding greenery and hedges strengthened its integration into the wider ecological network.
Materials and detailing matched the campus’s existing identity. Concrete slabs with visible lifting anchors reflected the architectural language of the buildings. In line with sustainability objectives and budget efficiency, the design incorporated the reuse of fired clinkers and other site-specific materials.

Global Ambitions Call for Future-Proof Living Environments
In recent years, TU/e has grown into a leading technical university on the global stage. As a core institution within the Brainport region, it serves as an educational hub, innovation center, and international talent magnet. In the competition with top universities in Europe, Asia, and the United States, the quality of the residential, study, and living environment has become a decisive factor for students.

The Blue Carpet: Connecting, Dwelling, Retaining
In 2021, MTD landscape architects began designing De Blauwe Loper (The Blue Carpet): an ecological, climate-resilient living environment featuring two student housing towers (735 units) and an innovation village with a café, study spaces, and co-working facilities. Inspired by the 1972 Munich Olympic Park, this project marks the next step in the transformation toward a sustainable and internationally appealing campus.

At the heart of the plan lies an elongated water feature that functions as a rainwater buffer with a storage capacity of 1,386,000 liters. Rainwater from surrounding hard surfaces, rooftops, and the central square is collected here. When full, overflow is directed to two large swales that gradually discharge into the Dommel River, relieving pressure on the regional water system during heavy rainfall.

Synergy Between Ecology and Spatial Quality
The left bank of The Blue Carpet is designed as a lively social space, with seating areas along the water and a pedestrian boulevard for students, employees, and visitors. The right bank features a gently sloping, nature-rich landscape with high ecological value—providing habitat for aquatic and terrestrial species, birds, and pollinators.
Around the student housing towers, a biodiverse and climate-adaptive outdoor environment is being created, featuring hundreds of resilient trees, flowering meadows, shrubs, and nesting areas. Squirrels, hedgehogs, bats, butterflies, bees, and many other species will soon find a safe and food-rich habitat here.

Completion and Future Outlook
The Blue Carpet and the landscape surrounding the student housing were constructed in 2024 and step by step the natural environment is being integrated. Over the coming years, the ecological systems will continue to be strengthened and monitored. Starting from the 2024–2025 academic year, The Blue Carpet will serve as an innovative and ecological environment where living, studying, recreation, and nature come together.

• Other landscape architecture offices involved in the design of the landscape:
MTD landscape architects

• Architecture offices involved in the design:
VenhoevenCS

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