In this issue, the editorial team of a+u magazine together with guest editor Kirsten Hannema - Chief Editor of the nai010 Yearbook Architecture in the Netherlands - takes a look at the last 10 years of Dutch architecture discourse.
Previously, in the a+u 12:01 issue (Architecture in the Netherlands 2000–2011), which highlighted the country’s architecture scene right after the global financial crisis in 2008, the construction industry faced a slowdown. What we saw then, as “typically” Dutch, has gradually faded. Looking away from the “SuperDutch” stigma, we now see projects combining broader social issues, and taking on new forms of cultural energy. Yet, compared to the superstar generation that preceded them, these architects and their projects often go unnoticed. Therefore, in this issue, 19 projects are selected and placed into 3 themes to introduce a new attitude on today’s architecture in the Netherlands – the “SuperNormal”.
The three themes: “Reshaping the Polder” looks into pilot projects that rethink the sustainability of our construction practice. “Tabula Scripta” introduces transformation projects exploring how we rebuild under pre-existing conditions. “After the NAi” presents a body of public projects built during the period after 2012 when the national budget was cut. Each theme is accompanied by an essay written by Bob Witman, Jarrik Ouburg, and Sergio M Figueiredo, respectively. Finally, Floris Alkemade, Chief Government Architect of the Netherlands, shares with us in an interview about his reflections, actions, and predictions on the country’s architectural setting.
a+u SuperNormal Architecture in the Netherlands 2010–2020 includes:
Introduction: SuperNormal, by Kirsten Hannema
Essay: Reshaping the Polder by Bob Witman
Co-living Oosterwold - bureau SLA, ZakenMaker
De Ceuvel - Space&Matter
The Sixteen-Oak Barn - Hilberinkbosch Architects
Tij Observatory - RAU Architects, RO&AD Architects
Deltawerk// - RAAAF, Atelier de Lyon
Essay Tabula Scripta by Jarrik Ouburg
Beurspassage – Oersoep - Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), Rijnboutt
BlueCity Rotterdam - Superuse Studios
Deventer City Hall - Neutelings Riedijk Architects
LocHal Library - CIVIC Architects
Naturalis Biodiversity Center - Neutelings Riedijk Architects
Education Center Erasmus MC - KAAN Architects
Musis Sacrum - Frits van Dongen Architects and Planners, Koschuch Architects
Museum De Lakenhal - Happel Cornelisse Verhoeven
Kleiburg De Flat - NL Architects, XVW Architecture
Essay - After the NAi: Grand Projects in the Netherlands by Sergio M. Figueiredo
Forum Groningen - NL Architects
Utrecht Bicycle Parking - Ector Hoogstad Architects
Delft City Hall and Train Station - Mecanoo
Public Transport Terminal Breda - Koen van Velzen Architects
The Rijksmuseum - Cruz y Ortiz Architects
An Interview with Floris Alkemade: The Future of the Netherlands by Kirsten Hannema
In this issue, the editorial team of a+u magazine together with guest editor Kirsten Hannema - Chief Editor of the nai010 Yearbook Architecture in the Netherlands - takes a look at the last 10 years of Dutch architecture discourse.
Previously, in the a+u 12:01 issue (Architecture in the Netherlands 2000–2011), which highlighted the country’s architecture scene right after the global financial crisis in 2008, the construction industry faced a slowdown. What we saw then, as “typically” Dutch, has gradually faded. Looking away from the “SuperDutch” stigma, we now see projects combining broader social issues, and taking on new forms of cultural energy. Yet, compared to the superstar generation that preceded them, these architects and their projects often go unnoticed. Therefore, in this issue, 19 projects are selected and placed into 3 themes to introduce a new attitude on today’s architecture in the Netherlands – the “SuperNormal”.
The three themes: “Reshaping the Polder” looks into pilot projects that rethink the sustainability of our construction practice. “Tabula Scripta” introduces transformation projects exploring how we rebuild under pre-existing conditions. “After the NAi” presents a body of public projects built during the period after 2012 when the national budget was cut. Each theme is accompanied by an essay written by Bob Witman, Jarrik Ouburg, and Sergio M Figueiredo, respectively. Finally, Floris Alkemade, Chief Government Architect of the Netherlands, shares with us in an interview about his reflections, actions, and predictions on the country’s architectural setting.
a+u SuperNormal Architecture in the Netherlands 2010–2020 includes:
Introduction: SuperNormal, by Kirsten Hannema
Essay: Reshaping the Polder by Bob Witman
Co-living Oosterwold - bureau SLA, ZakenMaker
De Ceuvel - Space&Matter
The Sixteen-Oak Barn - Hilberinkbosch Architects
Tij Observatory - RAU Architects, RO&AD Architects
Deltawerk// - RAAAF, Atelier de Lyon
Essay Tabula Scripta by Jarrik Ouburg
Beurspassage – Oersoep - Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), Rijnboutt
BlueCity Rotterdam - Superuse Studios
Deventer City Hall - Neutelings Riedijk Architects
LocHal Library - CIVIC Architects
Naturalis Biodiversity Center - Neutelings Riedijk Architects
Education Center Erasmus MC - KAAN Architects
Musis Sacrum - Frits van Dongen Architects and Planners, Koschuch Architects
Museum De Lakenhal - Happel Cornelisse Verhoeven
Kleiburg De Flat - NL Architects, XVW Architecture
Essay - After the NAi: Grand Projects in the Netherlands by Sergio M. Figueiredo
Forum Groningen - NL Architects
Utrecht Bicycle Parking - Ector Hoogstad Architects
Delft City Hall and Train Station - Mecanoo
Public Transport Terminal Breda - Koen van Velzen Architects
The Rijksmuseum - Cruz y Ortiz Architects
An Interview with Floris Alkemade: The Future of the Netherlands by Kirsten Hannema