04 2024

April 2024
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31/05 2023

A year in PORTRAITS

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of publishing our first monograph, PORTRAITS, we are hosting a special presentation of the book in Zürich in association with Park Books and ETH Zürich.

Nearly a year ago, we celebrated the launch of PORTRAITS, a significant publication that offers a unique perspective on fifteen of our major built works to date. These selected projects were portrayed as distinct characters with distinctive physiognomies, yet they belong to the same family and share similar features, hence the book’s title.

Beyond being a project overview, publishing PORTRAITS was a culmination of a research process aimed at interpreting a complex genealogy that reveals the 15 buildings not as autonomous entities but as parts of a shared vision.

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of our first monograph, we are hosting a special presentation of the book in Zürich in association with our publisher Park Books and our friends at the gta institute from ETH Zürich. Join us on 21 June at 19:00 for an engaging evening with the book editors and special guests, followed by an interactive Q&A session and celebratory drinks.

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Wed, 21 June 2023; 19.00

Never Stop Reading (Spiegelgasse 18, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland)

Speakers:
Alice Colombo (KAAN Architecten)
Kees Kaan (KAAN Architecten, TU Delft)
Tom Avermaete (gta institute, ETH Zürich)

Entry is free. Due to high interest and limited capacity we kindly ask to register your attendance at press@kaanarchitecten.com

02/04 2024

Dikkie Scipio’s contribution to the academic book ‘The Palladio Method’

Architects and architectural historians from Italy, the Netherlands and Germany met on May 13 and 14, 2022 in a symposium at the Münster School of Architecture. From the outset, the conference’s purpose (The Palladio Method) was to consider Palladio as a draughtsman and designer, mason and engineer, innovator and image maker. Participants were asked to explore what can be learnt in modern practice from the 16th-century master. This volume collects the contributions from the symposium.

Dikkie Scipio reflects on the essay ‘Let’s talk about Palladio, a brave attempt to understand a 16th-century architect’, which is included in the book:
“Palladio has been the most studied, copied, and celebrated architect for centuries, yet his relevance in contemporary architectural discourse is minimal. However, at a time when the perception of our profession and the way architects define their role are both undergoing significant changes, it becomes pertinent to revisit the question: What exactly is an architect? In doing so, we cannot overlook the godfathers of architecture and must endeavour to understand their position on Utilitas, Firmitas, and Venustas (usefulness/convenience, durability, and beauty) the triangle on which architecture is founded”.

Thanks to FH Münster, University of Applied Sciences, the Münster School of Architecture and the Palladio Museum – Centro Internazionale di Studi di Architettura Andrea Palladio for making this possible.

The book is already online for a free delight, you can find it here.

22/03 2024

Construction starts on Strijp-S Matchbox in Eindhoven

Yesterday, 21 March 2024, marked the official start of construction on Matchbox, a mixed residential and office building in the Strijp-S area of Eindhoven. This new building on “Veld K”, in front of the Trudo Tower, is expected to be finished by mid-2025.

The Matchbox project adopts the rationality and no-nonsense aesthetic of the early modernist context to be integrated into the former industrial ribbon of Philips factories Strijp-S. After realisation, it will be the first building in Strijp-S to use bio-based materials, allowing the storing of more CO₂ within the building than what was emitted during its developing phase. Matchbox brings in the softness of an elegantly crafted timber grid system. This deliberate design approach exemplifies our dedication to reducing the carbon footprint and nurturing a more environmentally conscious future.

Matchbox has a highly permeable active plinth, hosting small entrepreneurs and the new Trudo offices from the ground floor to the second floor. A total of 36 apartments on levels three to six are arranged around an inner courtyard to encourage social contact between people, completely in the style of Strijp-S.

Explore our complete project here or read more information here!

Building team
Architect: KAAN Architecten
Client: Sint Trudo
Contractor: Stam + De Koning Bouw
Construction advisor: ABT / Adviesbureau Lüning
Building physics and fire safety: ABT
Installation advisor: Visietech

12/02 2024

KAAN Architecten contributes to Amsterdam’s architecture as new ARCAM sponsor

Arcam is a great institution for open discussion and planning for the city of Amsterdam. This considerable hub of ideas and initiatives is an ideal stage for knowledge exchange and research development for a new and better city.

As urbanization continues to increase around the world, cities are expanding rapidly, and planners are trying to predict future scenarios. This is particularly true for the city of Amsterdam, where urbanization means, above all, intensification and diversification. Amsterdam has a long tradition of integrated planning of its growth, with the century-old canal system as the protagonist. Architecture and urban development have always been closely intertwined, in its own unique way, throughout every period of growth. This has made the city of Amsterdam one of the most fascinating showcases of the relationship between architecture and urban development. The recent debate on how to achieve the right density in different parts of the city is an example of this attitude.

Inspired by such questions and challenges, KAAN Architecten is ready to jump into the arena of the constructive and innovative pioneering mentality that Arcam promotes, which is also typical of Amsterdam. KAAN Architecten’s many projects in the city have given us an extensive awareness of the big picture and the main questions for Amsterdam, and we are eager to share and debate.

Find more info here or read the full article here below:

15/01 2024

Dikkie Scipio’s contribution to Rolmodellen & ‘starchitects’ panel discussion

Times change, and so do the role models in architecture. What are the values of contemporary architects, and who do they represent nowadays? Does the principle of a ‘starchitect’ as a role model still stand, or can inspiration also arise from collective and collaboration? And is there enough diversity in the range of role models in terms of gender, origin and other aspects?

In response to the publication Women in Architecture, nai010 publishers organized a panel discussion with Arcam Architectuurcentrum Amsterdam and Pakhuis de Zwijger.

Dikkie Scipio was part of this debate together with Linda Vlassenrood, Eileen Stornebrink, Peter van Assche, Pınar Balat, Murtada Alkaabi, Erica Smeets-Klokgieters and Jurrian Arnold. The event also had Indira van ‘t Klooster (Arcam Architectuurcentrum Amsterdam) discussing new values, ownership and authorship in architecture.

The event took place last December at Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam. If you missed it, you can watch the discussion here.

28/11 2023

NEAC Visitor Centre in Margraten is opening soon

Anticipating the upcoming inauguration of the new Visitor Center at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten on December 12th, we remember a significant construction achievement: the completion of its remarkable concrete fascia, achieved through a unique and complex multi-day process.

Fascia is the vertical band forming the outer surface of the building’s abstract cubic volume suspended above the landscape. Captured on film by Marcel IJzerman, the structure was slowly and carefully lifted over the course of several days by a coordinated system of hydraulic jacks to its final position. There, it will permanently hang from the visitor centre’s roof structure, allowing light to enter behind and giving it the appearance of floating in place.

We are incredibly proud and excited to reveal the finished space very soon.

Film by Marcel IJzerman
Sound design by Morten Brogaard
Commissioned by KAAN Architecten and American Battle Monuments Commission
With thanks to Groep van Roey, Civiele technieken deBoer bv, Camuse

24/11 2023

Dikkie Scipio honored with the “Prix des Femmes Architectes International Prize”

We are thrilled to announce that Dikkie Scipio has been awarded the prestigious “Prix des Femmes Architectes International Prize” by ARVHA.

The renowned award, now in its 11th edition, celebrates the outstanding contributions of women architects globally. ARVHA, in collaboration with esteemed partners such as the Ile de France Region and the National Council of the Order of Architects, aims to recognize and promote the achievements of women in architecture.

In a competitive pool of 1,270 projects reviewed for the 2023 edition, Dikkie Scipio stood out for her remarkable accomplishments, receiving the award for her outstanding works, among others Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Geo-and Environmental Center at Tübingen University and Museum Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn. This recognition reflects not only her individual success but also her influence as a role model for future female architects.

Museum Paleis Het Loo © Simon Menges

Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp © Stijn Bollaert

Geo- and Environmental Centre (GUZ) © Brigida Gonzalez

In addition to her architectural achievements, Dikkie Scipio plays a vital role in academia, where she finds deep importance. As a dedicated professor at the MSA Muenster School of Architecture, she actively seeks to inspire and empower the next generation, particularly young women, by fostering a passion for architecture.

Congratulations to Dikkie Scipio on this well-deserved honor!

Award Ceremony at the Pavillon de l’Arsenal in Paris

27/09 2023

Opening lecture by Kees Kaan at ENSA Paris La Villette

Next Tuesday, 3 October, Kees Kaan will give a lecture at the National School of Architecture of Paris La Villette (ENSAPLV), kicking off the new academic year.

Titled “Building Narratives,” the lecture will explore the transformative power of narrative construction within architectural projects. Kaan will delve into how each project takes on a distinct identity as the architect crafts a compelling narrative, engaging individuals and stories along the way. This process, as Kaan emphasizes, is inclusive and open, actively inviting the input of all stakeholders. By incorporating the diverse opinions and experiences of those involved, this approach ultimately results in the creation of buildings that are not only robust and straightforward but also deeply connected to the needs and aspirations of both future occupants and society as a whole. Read more at the link.

Practical information:
ENSAPLV, Amphi 302
Tuesday October 3, 2023 at 18.00 h
Free admission, limited seating available
in English

Featured image by Sebastian van Damme.

21/08 2023

Day of Architecture in Utopia

On Sunday 10 September, Utopia Library and Academy for Performing Arts in Aalst will open its doors to visitors during the Day of Architecture in Flanders.

Organized by the Flemish Architecture Institute, Day of Architecture is just one of many events taking place during the Festival of Architecture from 5 – 10 September which aims to highlight architectural culture with numerous activities throughout Flanders and Brussels. On 10 September, the Day of Architecture exceptionally coincides with Heritage Day, and visitors of Utopia will get to experience firsthand how contemporary architecture and heritage meet.

Visitors can explore Utopia by themselves between 14.00-17.00 (no registration needed), or join an exclusive lecture by Vincent Panhuysen. The lecture will take place in the auditorium at 15:00, followed by a guided tour of the building. Space is limited, so make sure to register in advance.

Practical information

Utopia Library and Academy for Performing Arts, Aalst
10 September
14.00 – 17.00 – walk in, free visit – no registration needed
15.00 – lecture by Vincent Panhuysen and a guided tour – due to limited capacity, a free registration is required here

03/08 2023

Reflections – Renewing Paleis Het Loo

We are pleased to introduce “Reflections,” published by Paleis Het Loo in collaboration with nai010 publishers and KAAN Architecten.

“Reflections,” also available in Dutch as “Spiegelingen,” chronicles the process of renovating and extending Paleis Het Loo. Once a Dutch royal hunting palace, it has since evolved into one of the Netherlands’ most esteemed and frequently visited museums.

Through a collection of striking photographs and informative accounts from key contributors to the project, the book highlights the history of the palace and the new design by KAAN Architecten, illustrating how these elements harmoniously converge. “Reflections” offers a fascinating account of a successful transformation, where the past, present, and future seamlessly reinforce each other.

Now available for preorder!

“Reflections” (English)

“Spiegelingen” (Dutch)

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August 2023
editors: Anton Kos, Peter Bakkum, Pien Harms, Michel van Maarseveen, Dikkie Scipio
authors: Floris Alkemade, Peter Bakkum, Pien Harms, Anton Kos, Michel van Maarseveen, Koen Ottenheym, Wim Pijbes, Dikkie Scipio
design: Koehorst in ‘t Veld
photography: Sebastian van Damme, Marnix Klooster, Simon Menges,Dominique Panhuysen, Bouke Wolbrink
publisher: nai010 publishers, Rotterdam
in collaboration with: Museum Paleis Het Loo
hardcover | 22 x 28 cm | 176 pages | illustrated (130 full color)

26/06 2023

First part of Piratininga Waterfront project inaugurated

The Parque Orla Piratininga (POP), a joint revitalisation project of the Niteroi lagoon by KAAN Architecten, Phytorestore, and Embya, inaugurated its first completed section.

In the last week’s ceremony, Mayor Axel Grael recognised the park’s innovation and its important role in Niterói’s plan for a sustainable and inclusive future. The inaugurated section is named Recanto Carlos Boechat in honour of the former councillor and regional administrator of the Oceanic Region, who played a crucial role in engaging with the community and was instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation of the park.

POP project aims at a long-term improvement of Niterói’s Piratininga Lagoon. It includes extensive water-filtering gardens, an overarching network of pedestrian and bike paths, lookouts, squares, recreation areas, and an eco-cultural centre focused on environmental education. Explore our design for the Eco-museum!

It is currently the largest project in Brazil using Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and has already won the Latam Smart City Awards in the Sustainable Urban Development and Mobility category. More recently, it won the Sustainable Cities Award for the best environmental project in the country. Learn more about the project here!

Featured image courtesy of WRI Brazil

Category

31/05 2023

A year in PORTRAITS

Dikkie Scipio’s contribution to the academic book ‘The Palladio Method’

Construction starts on Strijp-S Matchbox in Eindhoven

KAAN Architecten contributes to Amsterdam’s architecture as new ARCAM sponsor

Dikkie Scipio’s contribution to Rolmodellen & ‘starchitects’ panel discussion

NEAC Visitor Centre in Margraten is opening soon

Dikkie Scipio honored with the “Prix des Femmes Architectes International Prize”

Opening lecture by Kees Kaan at ENSA Paris La Villette

Day of Architecture in Utopia

Reflections – Renewing Paleis Het Loo

First part of Piratininga Waterfront project inaugurated

“Ideal Standard” in Xiamen and Shanghai

Chair Opening Lecture – spring 2014

“Sculptures in Public Spaces” by Dikkie Scipio

‘Who is the boss?’ – a column by Dikkie Scipio

Leidsche Rijn

‘Living Apart Together’ – a column by Dikkie Scipio

Beirut-Rotterdam: Complex Urban Recoveries

Kees Kaan at the AMS/TU Delft Summer School 2018

WA magazine (China) on Complex Projects

Chair Introduction – spring 2016