Discover Benelux | Top Architects in the Netherlands | Creating Quality of Life
‘I thrive on big and complex projects’ TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: BLOSSOM ARCHITECTURE
Challenging conventional design and creating public buildings that are sustainable, better for the environment and at the heart of a circular economy is what drives Maartje van den Berg, founder of Blossom Architecture and Consulting. “I want to create really beautiful, innovative buildings that also have much less impact on our environment, by reusing materials that otherwise would be destroyed,” explains Van den Berg. Developing this way is not just environmentally friendly, most of the time it will lower costs. For instance, the architect created a counter for the town hall in Wageningen made from old, discarded ropes that had been used in the sports hall of an elementary school. “Instead of throwing them in the trash, I collected them and gave them a new life,” she explains. Working with suppliers and builders from day one, rethinking how to design and devel-
op projects is an intrinsic part of the way Van den Berg works. “It is about leading the way with all parties to become part of the circular economy. Reusing materials on the same level as their original purpose is really rewarding and something I love to do. “I want to find a solution – not just for the problem a project presents – but also the bigger problem of wastage. We need to find a way to leave a better place for our children,” concludes the architect. “The bigger the prob-
lem, the more I am in my element. I really thrive on the big and more complex projects.” www.blossomarchitecture.nl
Feel ‘at ease’ right away “Designing buildings is all about listening to the client; to hear what they want but, more importantly, why they want something. Only then can you create a place where they truly feel at home,” explains Menno Lam, owner of LAM architects. Inspired by world-renowned architects such as John Lautner and taught by Glenn Murcutt (who won the Pritzker Prize in 2002), the buildings Lam designs stem from the same philosophy. “I want to create living environments where building and nature come together and
make the users feel at ease, whether it is a house or an office building,” elaborates Lam. The same approach was applied for the giraffe house at the Royal Rotterdam Zoo. “Working from natural behaviour and needs of the users is no different for people than it is for animals. “I believe the essence of architecture is not about style or techniques, it is about what suits my clients best, what serves their wellbeing most. Therefore, the design process is first of all about getting to know the client. Finding out why they want something, instead of just documenting what they want. If you know
TEXT: MICHIEL STOL
their motivation, you can really design the perfect place for them, even if it is different from what they originally had in mind,” says Lam. This design approach makes it possible to create buildings that are sustainable by nature. “It just becomes logical to create a design that is biophilic and environmentally friendly,” explains the architect. “The best compliment I can get is when the users come to me afterwards and say: ‘I felt at home right away’.” www.lam-architects.nl
Giraffe house. Photo: Martijn Dijkstra
Verandah house. Photo: Martijn Heil
30 | Issue 42 | June 2017
LAM architects, Design Studio.