vehicle for identity
The
existing buildings are left intact as much as possible because of their contextual value. This however does not mean that new additions should speak for them self or have no identity. The greatest intervention that is made, is the addition of the central hall which allows access from the fronts as well as the back of the building. The new hall or atrium consists out of a large roof which is supported by wooden beams. These beams are crafted especially for the design of the hall and are mounted on old concrete brackets which were actually meant for a future addition
of a new office in the original 1950’ design. This way the old and the new are combined to form a symbioses. The form of the wooden beams is transformed from being a logical span element to become a unruly identity maker. The transformation was done to play a game with the incoming light and the contours of the existing buildings, thus articulating them. This play between old and new is representational for the craft in the 21st century where it also has to deal with new techniques that shall replace the old.
IX VII IV
I
I
section A 1:400
IX VII VIII
.5 first floor 1:400
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