Discover Benelux, Issue 60, December 2018

Discover Benelux | Top Architects in the Netherlands | Creating Quality of Life

Bisonspoor, nicknamed ‘it takes 2 to tango’.

Technical foundation, innovative expression TEXT: MYRIAM DIJCK | PHOTOS: OP TEN NOORT BLIJDENSTEIN ARCHITECTEN & ADVISEURS

Stating that op ten noort blijdenstein is highly experienced in architectural design is most certainly no exaggeration. Founded in 1919, the firm has a century-long, successful track record.

Starting out as a collaboration between two architects and an engineer, the attention to the rational experience and sound engineering from 100 years ago is equally relevant today.

Since the beginning, op ten noort blijdenstein has stayed at the top of its game by pushing the boundaries of architectural technology while keeping focused on the end result. Director of architecture Marco Romano says: “Every project starts with a thorough analysis of the essence of an as54 | Issue 60 | December 2018

signment. In this process, we map the key facts and figures such as material lifespan and the design’s technical aspects.”

This methodological approach allows designs to be created from the ground up, and combined with the company’s engineering knowledge, this results in the most feasible and advanced buildings.

Romano: “Sometimes this technical backdrop actually forms a part of the message of a building.”

A modern place of worship An example of this is the ‘glass cathedral’ information centre in Culemborg.

The multi-functional building combines a greenhouse structure with the majestic

appearance of a church. It is made from sustainable materials such as scaffolding wood, reused stairs and insulation made from old blue jeans. “There is a dynamism between open and closed spaces: certain sections of the insulation are on display, and on one side light shines through, while the other is covered by solar panels,” Romano explains.

The building was indeed designed as a place of worship; a place to admire the world through circular design. He continues: “The building itself represents the same message the information centre propagates: it shows the potential of circularity and promotes recycling, reusing and living in a more sustainable way.”