History of the Delft University of Technology facts for kids

The Delft University of Technology (often called TU Delft) has a long and interesting history. It all began in 1842 as the Royal Academy. This school later changed its name to the Polytechnic School in 1864. Finally, in 1905, it became the well-known Delft University of Technology we know today.

A Look Back in Time

The Royal Academy (1842–1864)

King William II of the Netherlands, who started the Royal Academy in Delft.

The Delft University of Technology was first opened on January 8, 1842. It was founded by King William II of the Netherlands. Its first name was the Royal Academy for the education of civilian engineers. This meant it trained engineers to help the country and its industries. It also taught apprentices for trade.

One main goal of the academy was to train people to work in the Dutch colonies. The first leader of the academy was Antoine Lipkens. He invented the first Dutch optical telegraph. The Royal Academy's first building was in Delft, on Oude Delft 95 Street.

The Polytechnic School (1864–1905)

On June 20, 1864, the Royal Academy in Delft changed. It became the Polytechnic School of Delft (Dutch: Politechnische School van Delft). This new school trained many different kinds of engineers and architects. These skills were very important during the fast industrialization of the 1800s.

The Institute of Technology (1905-1986)

On May 22, 1905, the school changed its name again. It became the Technische College (Institute) of Delft (Dutch: Technische Hogeschool van Delft). This new name showed that the school offered high-quality academic education. The Polytechnic was now allowed to give out university degrees.

Around this time, about 450 students attended the school. Queen Wilhelmina officially opened the new school on July 10, 1905. The first dean was Jacob Kraus, an expert in water engineering.

Many student groups started as the university grew. The first student union, Delftsch Studenten Corps, began on March 22, 1848. In 1917, a special garden for technical plants was created by Gerrit van Iterson. Today, it is known as the Botanical Garden of TU Delft. During this time, the first female professor, Toos Korvezee, was also appointed.

Delft University of Technology (1986-Present)

After World War II, TU Delft grew very quickly. A program called Studium Generale was started at all Dutch universities. This program aimed to share knowledge about culture, technology, and science freely. Because more and more students joined, the first "Reception Week for First Year Students" was started in 1974. This week has been a TU Delft tradition ever since.

On September 1, 1986, the Delft Institute of Technology officially changed its name. It became the Delft University of Technology. This new name highlighted the excellent education and research offered. In 1987, the Delft Top Tech institute was created. It offered special master's degrees in management for people in tech companies.

On September 1, 1997, TU Delft combined its 13 departments into 9. This made the growing university run more smoothly. In the early 1990s, there were many more male students than female students. To help more women study at the university, an emancipation group was formed. This led to "Girls Study Technology" days.

Former Aula of TU Delft, now home to the Faculty of Architecture.

Since 2006, all university buildings are located outside Delft's old city center. Some institutes from the Hague and Rijswijk also moved closer to TU Delft.

The fire at the Faculty of Architecture building on May 13, 2008.

On May 13, 2008, a fire broke out in the main building of the Faculty of Architecture. The fire quickly spread through parts of the building. Firefighters worked hard to control it. The building was badly damaged. However, the library, which had thousands of books and old maps, was saved. Firefighters also rescued historic models and furniture. The old Architecture building was later completely taken down. The university's former main building is now used for the Faculty of Architecture. It is believed the fire started from a short circuit caused by a broken water pipe.

In 2007, TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, and University of Twente formed a group called 3TU. They work together on technical education and research.

TU Delft Logo

The logo of TU Delft has changed over the years, just like its name. The current logo uses the colors cyan, black, and white. The letter "T" in the logo has a special flame on top. This flame reminds people of Prometheus. In old stories, Prometheus brought fire and knowledge to humans from Mount Olympus. He is sometimes seen as the first engineer. This makes him an important symbol for the university. A statue of Prometheus stands in the center of the renovated TU Delft campus, Mekelpark.