VSK+E 2026 Student Competition
Design a new energy neutral multifunctional hall
Royal Jaarbeurs is investigating the possibilities of building a new, multi-functional hall for exhibitions, indoor sports and concerts. This new, sustainable location should come on the site where halls 2 through 5 now stand.
In a challenging competition, students can present their vision of this during VSK+E 2026.
Background
Jaarbeurs is investing in the coming years in the adaptation and future-proofing of its real estate, with a focus on more efficient use of space, flexible partitioning, multifunctional use, a more attractive appearance and sustainable solutions. To this end, the construction of a new exhibition hall on the site of the current halls 2-5 is being investigated. This multifunctional space should be suitable not only for trade fairs, but also for indoor sports and amplified music.
Smartly plan, manage and use energy
The power grid squeaks and creaks under ever-increasing demand. More and more projects are bogged down by a lack of grid capacity. Grid congestion is no longer a threat, it is reality. We need to move to a building practice where energy is smartly planned, managed and utilized.
Jaarbeurs wants to lead the way. The new hall will be designed with the ambition: energy-neutral operation in 2030. No feed-in, no overload, but smart buffering, storage and demand-driven energy use.
The assignment
Design on the plot of existing halls 2 through 5 a future-proof, innovative, energy-neutral event hall with an area of approximately 20,000 m2 GLA. The building must be energy-neutral by 2030, while maintaining comfort, flexibility and a high-quality experience for visitors.
Interior
- A completely new climate and lighting system, focused on energy efficient and smart use that meets the usage requirements for the multifunctional event hall
- Energy and installation technology that is visible, educational and interactive - think 'game-like' or interactive elements that engage the visitor
- Smart buffering and storage of electricity as feed-in to the grid is not possible
Spatial frameworks
- Building of 100 x 200 meters
- Column-free
- Free floor height
- Exhibitions: 14 meters
- Sports: 16 meters
- Music: 20 meters
- No fixed stands
- Maximum height in accordance with zoning plan (20 meters)
Important considerations
Maximize self-consumption:
Feed-in to the grid is not allowed, so designs should drive local use and storage.
Future-proof design:
Think modular installations that grow with use or technology.
Energy neutral ≠ gasless:
A building can be gasless but still use a lot of (gray) electricity.
What do you submit?
- A model in which the user experience of the hall with the sustainable solution can be clearly experienced.
- A project booklet containing:
- The technical concept and operation
- Visual design (floor plan, cross-sections, atmosphere)
- Energy balance and storage strategy
- Climate solutions (air, temperature, light, sound)
- Materials and sustainability considerations
Note: All technical solutions must be realizable with technology that can be developed within five years.
The final will take place during VSK+E 2026 in February 2026. There, the five best teams from the preliminary round will present their design live. Photos and videos will be taken throughout the process as part of the visit campaign for the trade fair.
Review
The professional jury, consisting of the real estate project manager of Jaarbeurs, the energy and sustainability manager of Jaarbeurs and the installer / management & maintenance manager, will consider the entries and decide in December 2025 which five entries will go through to the next round in January 2026. During those preliminary rounds, three of them will be nominated for the finals during VSK+E in February.
Evaluation criteria
Each entry will be judged against a set of criteria. These range from climate & lighting installation to model & technical operation. From interactive elements to sustainability and use of materials. In total the design will be judged on 8 different criteria. A maximum number of points can be obtained for each criterion.
Important dates
Deadline to submit
December 15, 2025
Announcement and invitation pitches
January 6, 2026
Pitches in Beatrix Building
January 15, 2026
Final during VSK-E
February 4, 2026, 11 a.m.
What you can win
First of all, of course, eternal glory! It's not every day that you hear from experts and specialists that your team is the best. In addition, there is a big cup to point out to your fellow students at school every day what a top performance you delivered. Every team member can also count on a nice gift certificate to spend wherever you want!
Time to hook up now so....