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25/10 2024

Museum Paleis Het Loo wins Dutch Daylight Awards 2024

Museum Paleis Het Loo has been awarded the Dutch Daylight Award in the >1000 m² category!

 

Last Wednesday, the winners of the Dutch Daylight Awards 2024 were announced in The Hague.

The jury praised our design for its remarkable use of daylight, seamlessly integrating light to enhance the museum experience. This project prioritises a connection between interior spaces and the surrounding historic landscape, creating an atmosphere that respects and revitalises the heritage setting.

Thank you to the Dutch Daylight Awards and everyone involved.

 

14/06 2024

Kees Kaan inducted into the French Academy of Architecture

On June 12, Kees Kaan officially became a member of the French Academy of Architecture, following a praise by Pablo Katz, the institution’s current vice president, and Jean-Pierre Pranlas-Descours.

 

In his inaugural speech to guests and members of the Academy, Kaan discussed the significance of representation in architecture and how themes of grandeur, collectivity, and culture, rooted in French architecture, have influenced his professional journey. Exploring the concept of “Palais” and its evolution in Parisian architecture, Kaan drew a parallels to the urban development of Amsterdam’s canals, based on a pragmatic and commercially efficient economic model.

Kaan concluded by emphasizing the role of architecture in fostering social interaction and cultural dialogue, highlighting the importance of narratives in building.

 

 

photos © Sebastian van Damme

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.

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.

23/06 2023

A royal visit to the KMSKA

During their state visit to Belgium, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, accompanied by Belgian King Filip and Queen Mathilde, visited our Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.

On behalf of our design team, they were greeted by Dikkie Scipio, and as part of their tour, they made a special stop at the iconic Madonna by Fouquet. More information on their visit can be found here.

© Sanne de Block, KMSKA

© Sanne de Block, KMSKA

© Sanne de Block, KMSKA

© Sanne de Block, KMSKA

Photographs by Sanne de Block. Courtesy of KMSKA.

‘The New Together’ at Platform Architecture Festival in Venice

As contributors to ‘The New Together exhibition’, we are joining the PLATFORM Architecture Festival in Venice from June 23-26, 2023. at the Scuola Grande di Misericordia.

The New Together Exhibition emerges as an active platform, gathering projects that embody a new era and offer solutions for the transition. ”Metamorphosis is the closest image to indicate a phase of profound transformation that is challenging our lifestyles, the tools and languages with which we represent them, and the visions with which we imagine a different future” claim the exhibition’s curators Luca Molinari and Simona Finessi.

Photograph by Sebastian van Damme

The exhibition showcases a collection of 140 projects developed worldwide in the past three years, spanning various scales and promoting social interaction. Our Amsterdam Courthouse is one such project encouraging encounters, dialogues, and shared experiences within the judicial and wider city context. Managing architect Marco Lanna joins the Platform Architecture Festival to present the project on 24 June.

 

The New Together Exhibition is held from May 20 to July 30 at the Scuola Grande di Misericordia in Venice. More information here.

 

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.

____________

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

 

16/05 2023

Dikkie Scipio at ‘Finding New Freedoms’ panel in Venice

In anticipation of the opening of the Venice Biennale of Architecture, a panel titled ‘Finding New Freedoms’ will be held on May 18th at Palazzo Contarini Polignac. This panel is part of the multifaceted communication initiative called Berührungspunkte.

The panel aligns with the Biennale’s theme of ‘change,’ which is emphasized by this year’s curator, Lesley Lokko, as a means of creating a collective and relevant future. During this event, four architects will briefly share their perspectives on this question and present their visions for the future based on their own practices.

Joining the panel are Dikkie Scipio (KAAN Architecten), Robert Winkel (Mei architects and planners), Frederik Jacobs (CONIX RDBM Architects), and Ron Bakker (PLP Architecture). Together, they will explore the provocative question of whether we can define new freedoms and how we can attain them.

We invite you to join us on Thursday, May 18th at 09.30 am at Palazzo Contarini Polignac in Venice. To secure your attendance, please register for free here.

Featured image courtesy of beruehrungspunkte.de

 

20/03 2023

Celebrating ‘drapeau’ at JUMP

Last Friday we celebrated ‘drapeau’ for our JUMP project in Aubervilliers, Paris! This traditional French party is held to mark the completion of the building’s structure and envelope. 

For those who may not know, the ‘drapeau’ is named after the flag that was traditionally placed on top of houses when construction work was completed. The celebration was organised by the contractor Eiffage and provided a wonderful opportunity to bring together all parties involved in the project and recognize the hard work and dedication of the builders, known as ‘compagnons’. We are thrilled with the progress made on JUMP and can’t wait to see the final result. Stay tuned for more updates!

Featured visualization by Kreaction, courtesy of ICADE.

 

14/10 2022

We are joining THE NEW OPEN [Minds] Talks & Workshop

Kees Kaan and our BIM manager Javier Cuartero are joining the first international THE NEW OPEN (Minds) Talks & Workshop as featured speakers on 27 and 28 October.

As a dynamic platform with ongoing critical contributions from global thought leaders in architecture, design, climate, data science, art, culture, economics and politics, THE NEW OPEN rethinks the future foundations of design and its impact on our societies. Their first public conference will take place on 27 and 28 October at the TU Delft. The event includes keynote talks, interview-like conversations and panels from architects, designers and academics on climate, artificial intelligence, architecture, data-driven design and social and cultural change.

“If more accurate, complete and unbiased information is available, our ability to shape our habitat will be better too,” says Kees Kaan to introduce his keynote on the future of data-driven design set for 27 October. He advocates the need for “open data, impartial and fair”, calling it essential for the design process.

“Better design decision-making is based on reliable, clean, and approved data sources”, continues Javier Cuartero. He will give his insight as a data and tech support leader in a workshop on 28 October. For the first time, THE NEW OPEN [Minds] workshop will bring researchers from the fields of Open Science, Computational Design, Urbanism, Data Management and Artificial Intelligence together with architects and experts from internationally renowned design firms innovating architecture through the use of data.

Find out more information and join here.

13/10 2022

PORTRAITS in Paris

Last Thursday, 06 October, we hosted a book launch for our monograph PORTRAITS in Paris at La Galerie d’architecture. This is our first monograph, published in June by Park Books and the first substantial publication offering a unique perspective on fifteen of our major built works to date. Have you gotten your copy yet?

The director of our French office, Marylene Gallon, welcomed the audience after which editor and graphic designer Alice Colombo presented the concept behind the book’s structure and design. 

She explained the idea of selected projects being portrayed as different characters with distinctive physiognomies but belonging to the same family and sharing similar features, hence the book’s title.

The evening continued with a conversation between Kees Kaan, Vincent Panhuysen, architectural critic Pierre Chabard and architect Jean-Pierre Pranlas-Descours, both frequent collaborators of KAAN Architecten. Chabard is also one of the featured writers in the monograph. His essay Architecture as dialogue weaves through the book and elucidates framing, topology, geometry and craft as the hallmarks of our designs.

You can get your copy of PORTRAITS online and in specialised bookstores. The book is also available for purchase directly from Park Books.

Images by Sebastian van Damme. Featured image by Urte Baranauskaite.

26/09 2022

A celebration of art and architecture decades in the making

On Saturday, 24 September 2022, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp (KMSKA) reopened its doors to the public after a thorough eleven-year-long closure for renovation of the historical museum and contemporary extension completely concealed within the existing structure.

After winning an international competition in 2003 commissioned by the Flemish Government, we have worked intensively on the complex masterplan, renovation and extension of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp (Belgium), also known as KMSKA (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen), to bring contemporary allure to a glorious, overlooked beauty of the 19th century. 

Guests can walk through an enfilade of exhibition rooms tinted in dark pink, green and red; oak doors, tall columns and ceiling ornaments in plasterwork convey a feeling of ancient grandeur.

Meanwhile, hidden in the heart of the old building, a new vertical museum arises as a completely autonomous entity built within the four original patios.

With bright white exhibition halls, hidden rooms, long staircases, far-reaching sightlines and varying gradations of daylight, the new museum charts a route full of surprising vertical experiences.

With the museum’s grand opening, the longest-running project of our office comes to a close. “The renovation was a unique experience, one that has not followed the usual paths of an architectural project in any way. A lot of people have contributed with their hands and head to a result we can now celebrate, and for which I owe everyone a lot of thanks,” says Dikkie Scipio, the founding partner in charge of guiding the masterplan of the renovation for the past two decades.

Explore the complete project here.

Photographs by Sebastian van Damme.

 

30/05 2022

‘Portraits’ book launch during Rotterdam Architecture Month

Every June, Rotterdam Architecture Month celebrates the diverse and unique architecture of the city. We are pleased to join the month’s festivities by launching an exciting new publication and opening our office to visitors. Scroll down for more information!

On June 21, we will present ‘Portraits‘, the first monograph on KAAN Architecten, recently published by Park Books. This is the first substantial publication offering a unique perspective on our major built works to date. The selected projects are portrayed as different characters with distinctive physiognomies but belonging to the same family and sharing similar features, hence the book’s title. Beyond being a project overview, ‘Portraits’ is a culmination of a research process aimed at interpreting a complex genealogy that reveals the fifteen buildings not as autonomous entities but as parts of a shared vision.

Join us on Tuesday evening, June 21, in a festive ceremony with a brief introduction by the authors and editors. The book will also be available for purchase during the event, courtesy of NAI Booksellers. The launch will take place at Baanhof, a unique and quirky venue located in a mid-century power station in the heart of Rotterdam. Spaces are limited, so get your tickets here!

Photo by Simone Bossi

We are also joining the Open Office Day initiative during the Rotterdam Architecture Month. On Saturday, June 25, we will open the doors of our office space located in the former premises of De Nederlandsche Bank. Come learn about the history of the mid-century landmark as well as about our work and projects. Guided tours in English will occur hourly, between 11.00 and 16.00 (the last visit starts at 15:00). Entry is free with registration. Book your time slot at the ticket link.

Feature image by Urtė Baranauskaitė.

17/05 2022

L’Architecture Manifeste exhibition in Rennes

We are participating in the L’Architecture Manifeste exhibition in Rennes organised by the French association La Plateforme and École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Bretagne from 17 May to 10 June 2022.

KAAN Architecten is among ten offices, collectives and groups that have been commissioned for the L’Architecture Manifeste exhibition, which aims to highlight the conceptual practices of today’s architects. The official opening will take place on Thursday, May 19, at 19:30 at the ENSA Bretagne in Rennes, while the exhibition remains on show until June 10.

Find more information here.

16/03 2022

First artwork reinstalled in KMSKA

Yesterday a festive ceremony marked the unveiling of the first artwork reinstalled in the historic halls of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp. The exciting and emotional moment was captured by photographer Sanne De Block.

Rubens’ Baptism of Christ was hoisted straight up into the Rubens Hall through hatches in the floors. These slots come in handy for transporting the paintings to and from the underground depot for safekeeping.

Photo by Karin Borghouts

After the Rubens, other ancient and modern masters will follow based on a strict plan worked out by the curators and restorators. In total, 650 works will soon be placed on the walls of the restored and new museum rooms.

Following a thorough extension and renovation by KAAN Architecten, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts is set to open on 24 September 2022.

Images courtesy of KMSKA and Sanne De Block, unless otherwise indicated.

26/01 2022

The new hybrid city block

On Tuesday, February 01, 2022, Architectenweb, in collaboration with the Lectoraat Bouwtransformatie van de Hogeschool van Amsterdam, Pakhuis de Zwijger and MORE Architecture, is organizing a symposium on the emergence of a new hybrid building block: the combination of a closed building block with several residential towers.

This new typology is explored and discussed based on precursors from Rotterdam, The Hague, Amsterdam and Utrecht. What are the design solutions applied in this block? What are the challenges? And how will these blocks shape the future city?

Kees Kaan joins the symposium to discuss SPOT Amsterdam, a mixed residential and office district in the middle of Amstel III designed by KAAN Architecten. The panel of speakers also includes designers from MORE Architecture, Barcode Architects, de Architekten Cie, OZ, and BURA.

Reserve your place at the link.

16/11 2021

Conversation about light with Flores & Prats Arquitectes

On 23 November 2021, A+ Architecture in Belgium and Bozar are hosting a conversation between KAAN Architecten and Flores & Prats Arquitectes at the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels for a joint thematic conference on natural light. 

Vincent Panhuysen will talk about the use of daylight in the work of KAAN Architecten, drawing upon examples such as the Crematorium Siesegem, Utopia Library in Aalst and many more. The evening will close with a discussion with Eva Prats and Ricardo Flores.

See you at Palais des Beaux-Arts – Brussels on 23 November 2021, 19:00. Get tickets here.
The event will be in English.

12/10 2021

Kees Kaan at ‘Learning Landscapes’ conference

On 20 October, Kees Kaan is participating in the ‘Typology Talks: Learning Landscapes’ conference organized by Studio Kempe Thill. Scroll down to find out how to participate!

Teaching and research in higher education are currently subject to profound social and educational change. Globalisation, digital work, the rapid development of new technologies, international competitive pressure between universities and the qualities of university locations are just a few aspects that play a decisive role in this. In their first academic year as professors at Leibniz University Hannover, André Kempe and Oliver Thill deal with the radically changing conditions in the educational landscape. What influence do factors such as the particular ideal of social education, the context and location or the spatial and typological organisation of the objects have on their success or failure?

Photograph by Simone Bossi

The “Learning Landscapes” conference questions the typology of buildings for education and explores the possibility of an optimal building organisation, internal logistics, spatial backbone, flexible structure, compactness and energy performance. Considering his experience in architectural practice and academia, Kees Kaan will offer his views on the evolving learning landscapes both as an architect and a teacher. He will be joined by Piet Eckert (E2A Architects), Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara (Grafton Architects).

Tune in on 20 October, 15.30 h, when the conference will be streamed on the YouTube channel of the LUH Faculty of Architecture and Landscape.

Watch it here!

11/10 2021

CIRCLE – Build faster with flexible modules

We are proud to introduce CIRCLE – a construction module based on an optimized concrete shell developed in collaboration with Casco Totaal and ABT. The concept will be introduced at the PREFAB fair from 12 to 14 October, Brabanthallen, Den Bosch.

CIRCLE combines good design, smart construction and efficient operation. It offers a robust and quickly realizable solution to the increasing demand for smaller and flexible homes with high quality, circularity at all levels, shorter construction time and lower costs.

Its optimized 3D-Concrete Shell® of 35 square metres is made in an industrial production environment that ensures high quality. Each module has standardized openings for installations and circulation which allows units to be coupled horizontally or stacked vertically. Rapid realization and just-in-time delivery of the modules significantly shorten the construction process and allow for up to 20% lower construction costs. Integral design and prefabrication ensure standardization and therefore less waste. In addition, the standardized module enables high-quality reuse of its parts due to the separation of construction, finishing and installations. The concrete is 100% recyclable. Come find out more at the PREFAB fair!

Discover the brochure below!

https://issuu.com/kaanarchitecten/docs/ct-brochure_circle_v13_web

 

 

27/09 2021

MINUTES – Building Stories – Architecture on Film

On Tuesday, 28 September 2021 at 20.00, Pakhuis de Zwijger will host a MINUTES event titled ‘Building Stories – Architecture on Film’. See you there!

During the event at Pakhuis de Zwijger, a curated selection of 2 films and a performance from the MINUTES series will be screened. The event will be a hybrid between a screening and a talk followed by live and online audiences.
This period of intense uncertainty inevitably led us to reflect on our lives and the physical (or symbolic) space we occupy in our environment and society. The three selected projects reflect on the ‘meaning of being’, metaphorically touching the topics of birth, death and immortality.
It emerges through the forces of creation (Crafted by Benitha Vlok), the acceptance of mortality (Static by Spirit of Space) or possible immortality (Notes on an Immortal Being by Jaime Levinas). Building stories will explore this conceptual fil-rouge crossing over the 3 projects while discussing the potential of intertwining cinema, architecture and other creative practices.
The talk-screening Building Stories will be moderated by Dana Linssen, a film critic and writer. During the evening, 3 works from the MINUTES series will be presented by Benitha Vlok (via Zoom), Spirit of Space and Jaime Levinas, introducing his upcoming expanded cinema project ‘Notes on an Immortal Being’ with a performance. Besides them, KAAN Architecten founder and associated partner Dikkie Scipio and Martina Margini, MINUTES film series curator, will also participate in the discussion.

To explore the MINUTES project, visit the project website.

KMSKA opening announced!

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp has been closed for renovation and extension for ten years and will finally open its doors to the public. Scroll down to find out when!

The fully renovated and extended museum will open its doors to the public in just under a year, on 25 September 2022! The long-awaited opening of Antwerp’s landmark museum was announced with a festive moment this weekend in the presence of Jan Jambon, Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Culture, Digitization and Facility Management and Luk Lemmens, chairman of KMSKA board of directors.

Photograph by Stijn Bollaert

The museum will welcome the visitors by exhibiting the highlights of its collection as well as new modern pieces in the additional 40% more exhibition space due to the extension by KAAN Architecten. Explore the full project on our website. For more updates, stay in touch with KMSKA here!

Featured image courtesy of KMSKA.

 

 

13/09 2021

‘Ruling’ released on MINUTES platform

We are delighted to introduce the short film ‘Ruling’, now freely available worldwide on MINUTES web platform. 

Directed by Dutch filmmaker Dorian de Rijk, Ruling portrays the imposing Supreme Court of the Netherlands in The Hague. The camera explores the space, choreographing justice procedures and reading the architectural program as if it were a case at the Court. It circulates through different chambers and domains, ending up in the main courtroom. 

Ruling investigates the semiotics of power and what it means to rule today. This procedure is translated into an aesthetic gesture that enhances the timeless architecture of the Supreme Court and its design coherency that expresses the innate duality of a court of law – being open and transparent yet safe and secure.

The movie was already exclusively previewed during the 2019 ADFF Short Films Walk: New York and in a joint event with the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam (AFFR), Galerie de Jaloezie, and Roffa Mon Amour at the 2021 Rotterdam Architecture Month.

This film marks the fifth release for the eponymous series, consisting of 12 short movies directed by international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects by KAAN Architecten.

Visit MINUTES website to discover more information about directors, films and architectural projects. To keep up to date with all upcoming events, online lectures and film releases related to the series, subscribe to the newsletter.

02/08 2021

Save the date: MINUTES at Pakhuis de Zwijger on 28 September

On 28 September 2021, Pakhuis de Zwijger will host a MINUTES event titled ‘Building Stories – Architecture on Film’. 

The event will delve into the social impact of architectural communication with participating filmmakers and invited guests by analyzing three completely different approaches to portraying architecture.

How can filmmaking generate new ways of communicating the built environment? Whether it is bringing the building to life with speculative scenarios, or portraying it in its perceived idleness, cinema appears to be the right contemporary medium to capture something so dynamic and ever-changing as the architecture that surrounds us.

Save the date by making a reservation at the link. More info to follow!

In the meantime, follow MINUTES on Instagram for the latest updates and visit the website to watch the released movies.

18/06 2021

KMSKA wins European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention

In yesterday’s ceremony, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp was awarded the European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention in the category ‘Intervention in the Built Heritage’. 

We are delighted to see the quality of this project recognized among over 200 strong applicants. Our intervention in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts aimed to reverse these spatial changes by combining a thorough renovation of the historic museum with a contemporary extension completely concealed within the existing structure.

We extend our gratitude to everyone involved who made this project possible: Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen, Departement Cultuur, Jeugd en Media – Fonds Culturele Infrastructuur and Het Facilitair Bedrijf of the Flemish government, THV Artes Roegiers – Artes Woudenberg; Bureau Bouwtechniek; Royal Haskoning DHV and Architectenbureau Fritz.

Watch the full award ceremony at the link below!

08/06 2021

KAAN Architecten to participate in the Rotterdam Architecture Month

This June marks the Rotterdam Architecture Month celebrating the diverse and unique architecture of the city. KAAN Architecten is glad to be participating with three diverse events. Scroll down for more!

On Friday, 25 June, Dikkie Scipio will give a closing lecture recapping the Architecture month, and taking us along on a personal story related to her professional experience, dreams and ideas for the city. The lecture will take place at 20.00h in the City garage Kruisplein. To book your ticket, follow the link.

The next day, on Saturday, June 26th, KAAN Architecten will open the doors of its office space to the public with guided tours taking place at De Bank every hour between 11.00 until 17.00 (the last visit starts at 16:00). For more information on booking your tour – click here.

That same Saturday at 19:00, we will be screening a part of the MINUTES series in a joint event with Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam (AFFR), Galerie de Jaloezie, and Roffa Mon Amour. Participating directors include Dorian van de Rijk (Ruling), Mirte van Duppen (Territory of the Beings), Katja Verheul (Dynamo), Jaime Levinas (Notes on an Immortal Being) and From Form (Await). Click this link for more info on tickets!

See you this June!

05/05 2021

MINUTES Masterclass at BARQ Festival

On Wednesday, 12 May, the MINUTES series will be presented to the public, this time as a part of the BARQ International Architecture Film Festival. Join via the link below!

In a specially dedicated masterclass for the BARQ International Architecture Film Festival, the series curator Martina Margini and the founding partner of KAAN Architecten, Kees Kaan, will present the short film series MINUTES in a conversation with three of its film directors: Joana Colomar, Miguel C. Tavares and Benitha Vlok.

Since 2017, we have explored the dialogue between cinema and architecture by commissioning different international filmmakers to portray our projects. The result is the MINUTES series, which consists of twelve signature short films.

Join us for the Masterclass here on Wednesday 12 May at 18.00 h. 

The BARQ festival is a perfect occasion to showcase MINUTES as it celebrates its first edition from May 11 to 16, 2021. It will take place in Barcelona live and online through the Filmin platform for all of Spain.

The festival includes an extensive program with films from around the world and various parallel activities. It is a cinematographic event that highlights films innovatively showing current issues related to architecture such as urban activism, politics, the economy, the environment, cultural and social diversity, access to housing or equal rights.

Event sponsored by Cosentino City Barcelona.

31/03 2021

First look at MINUTES

We are extremely proud to introduce MINUTES – a series of short films made by international filmmakers portraying a selection of projects designed by KAAN Architecten. Join us at ’12 Ways to Film a Building’ – the series launch event organized in collaboration with Het Nieuwe Instituut and their Thursday Night Live event series. More info below!

Every building tells a story

Rooted in the essential belief that Every building tells a story, in 2017, we started long-term research and collaboration with a group of incredibly talented international filmmakers. Their brand new perception yielded impressive and diverse visual storytelling about the projects we (thought we) knew for years.

Traditional architecture representation methods immortalize a building in time, freezing it in a perfect shape and light. What happens when we introduce a new factor to architectural communication?

We decided to play with ‘time’ and explore the possibilities given by film to understand and communicate what we build, to display a living building, a context in motion and never static. As anything in architecture does, this process took time, but it opened up our eyes to a new dimension of our work.

This research has been 4 years in the making and has yielded 12 short films, which we are excited to share with you. We sincerely hope this can be the start of an extended discussion about the buildings surrounding us, their role in society, and our relationship with them. Follow MINUTES!

 

Join us at the MINUTES launch

’12 Ways to Film a Building’ is the first of several introductory events about the MINUTES series. Organized in collaboration with Het Nieuwe Instituut as a part of their Thursday Night Live! Series, the online event, will take place on April 8, at 19.30.

The launch is hosted by Brendan Cormier, the Senior Curator of Exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, who will introduce MINUTES and animate a discussion with the filmmakers who took part in the project. He will bring his experience of commissioning film for major exhibitions to add a new dimension of understanding for the viewer.

Register for the event here

Watch the series trailer!

 

 

 

30/03 2021

‘Every day the Everyday’ – a lecture by Kees Kaan at ENSA Nancy

 On April 6, 2021, Ecole nationale supérieure d’architecture de Nancy will host an online lecture by Kees Kaan titled ‘Le Quotidien – Every day the Everyday’

Read the full statement and join the lecture at the link below!

“Architecture should aspire and reach out for the better; there is no doubt in my mind about that.

Society changes permanently, which reflects in our built environment and, hence, in architecture too. In that sense, we could argue that architecture is the protagonist of change. However, this begs the question: is architecture a product of change or its driver?

The start of an architectural venture is often an initiative fuelled by the zeitgeist. Yet, its result arrives years later as a loud booming echo of the timely spark that caused it. Architecture is slow by nature and, as such, not suitable to be the protagonist of change, but rather a witness after the fact.

Every project has a reason why it started in the first place, often articulated as a question for which an answer is solicited. This question is explained in a brief that contains urban conditions, requirements, specifications, etc.  However, the particular issue that sparked the process is likely to have disappeared or became less urgent once the project is finished. The architectural project tends to answer questions from the past.  As a result, architects seem to design for the wrong question. So how can we find the right answer?

Every day we work on projects for the everyday life of people. Our designs become settings for wide ranges of different activities. The power of architecture is to generate settings that make every day feel remarkable and uplifting, comfortable and emancipated. Like good food, a great book, or any work of art can do. Architecture cannot change a life, but it can upgrade the quality of the everyday. This is not achieved by being extravagant or extraordinary, but by being appropriate and good, functional and beautiful, generous and sustainable.

Whether urban or rural, architecture always navigates the boundaries of different domains, from the very private to the very public. Architecture has the potential to put these domains in perspective, to ‘build’ relations. That is the very objective of architecture.

Architectural innovation serves no purpose unless a proper balance between private interest and common values is established. With this lecture, I will critically reflect on the contextual narrative as the driver of the architectural concept that generates a self-evident relation between the city, building, construction, and detail as well as between shared and individual interests or pleasures.

The question of beautification will be used as a vehicle to explore this statement.”

Kees Kaan

To join the lecture on April 6 at 18.00, follow the link here. 
The lecture will be given partially in French and English.

10/03 2021

Wearable art in the newly renovated KMSKA

Belgian fashion designer Christian Wijnants showcased his Fall Winter 2021 collection in the newly renovated Royal Museum of Fine Arts.

Antwerp Fashion Academy alumni, Wijnants credits the museum and its extensive art collection as his source of inspiration during his study years so the opportunity to present his work among the colourful historic halls of KMSKA was a unique occasion.

Read more about Wijnants’ collaboration with the museum in the interview here, and explore the behind the scenes photographs by Klaartje Lambrechts or the full show video

 

10/02 2021

Dikkie Scipio to participate in ‘Architects, not architecture’

The ‘Architects, not architecture’ is an established series of talks focused on architects’ personal experiences and important creative periods in their lives, rather than their projects. 

‘The Netherlands Edition’ of the talk will bring Dikkie Scipio to the virtual stage where she will be joined by Nanne de Ru (Powerhouse Company).

Join for the live event on Wednesday, March 10th, 2021 from 19:00 to 20:30 CET. Free registration is available here.

23/11 2020

First look at the artwork for New Amsterdam Courthouse

As the construction of the New Amsterdam Courthouse is coming to an end, the artwork titled ‘Love or Generosity’ by American artist Nicole Eisenman will be installed on the entrance square on Friday, 27 November. Below we bring you the first look at the sculpture!

As the Zuidas area develops in the future, the public square of the New Amsterdam Courthouse will play a central role and should be accompanied by a work of art that underlines its landmark status to the public and refers to the judiciary itself. Over five meters tall, ‘Love or Generosity’ fits well with the new ten-storey courthouse, depicting a gatekeeper of the court: not a guard but a gentle figure radiating ease and comfort. Despite the height of the statue, the friendly attitude of the “gatekeeper” ensures that the statue does not deter visitors, but rather attracts and evokes curiosity.

The artist, Nicole Eisenman, is best known to the general (art) public for her figurative paintings in which she applies different styles, ranging from Renaissance painting to modern art. Since 2012, Eisenman has also established herself as a sculptor, exhibiting her work at the Venice Biennale and the Whitney Biennial, among others. Her work deals with topical themes from contemporary society  which she approaches with humour and love.

Alongside Eisenman’s sculpture, the New Amsterdam Courthouse will feature artworks by Jesse Wine and Femmy Otten in the garden and the courtrooms respectively, curated by arts advisor Esther Vonk. Commission of these  pieces is a part of the percentage scheme for visual art in government buildings, which requires original artwork be commissioned for new or renovated governmental buildings that pertain to the Central Government Real Estate Agency. Due to future developments in the area around the court and Zuid station, the municipality of Amsterdam Zuidas and the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts are additional partners in this assignment.

More information on the artwork can be found here.

NACH is a collaborative consortium consisting of Macquarie Capital, Abt, DVP, KAAN Architecten, Heijmans and Facilicom that is carrying out the design, construction, financing, maintenance and operation of the New Amsterdam Courthouse on behalf of the Central Government Real Estate Agency.

28/08 2020

Day of Architecture at De Bank

On Saturday, 12 September, KAAN Architecten is participating in the Day of Architecture 2020 (Dag van de Architectuur) by opening the doors of our office to the public.

From 11.00-17.00 h, guided tours will take place at De Bank – our office located in De Nieuwe Boompjes – the former premises of De Nederlandsche Bank originally designed by Henri Timo Zwiers in the 1950s. Book your tour at the link below and find information about the precautions regarding corona safety.

Book here! – De Nieuwe Boompjes – Day of Architecture 2020

 

23/06 2020

Second anniversary of Utopia opening

Past Sunday, 21 June, marked the second year since the official opening of Utopia Library and Academy for Performing Arts in Aalst.

The opening festivities in 2018 spanned 4 days and attracted more than 25 000 visitors who participated in concerts, workshops and dance performances. Since the grand opening, Utopia has been established as a cultural landmark of the city of Aalst, thriving on the inextricable link with its citizens and a delicate mixture of seemingly opposite programs it comprises.

Below we look back at the atmosphere of the opening weekend captured by Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti.

16/03 2020

KAAN Architecten remains fully operational

Collaboration and teamwork are key aspects of our daily work in architecture. While the circumstances of society change by the minute, KAAN Architecten’s workflow continues remotely to serve our clients and partners, safeguarding our fellow citizens’ and employees’ health and safety.

By means of our digital platform, the integral processes concerning design, meetings, presentations and communication are maintained without reservations. Our teams are active and can be contacted during office hours through the usual communication channels.

On behalf of the team, KAAN Architecten sends its warmest regards for your health and safety. Remain responsible and vigilant for the benefit of your community.

11/03 2020

Enter the KAAN Architecten publication giveaway!

Due to great interest, we are giving away several books and publications about the work of KAAN Architecten. Find out how to enter below!

Enter for a chance to win a copy of limited edition project books and monograph issues with rich illustrative and photographic documentation of KAAN Architecten projects. Click on links below to explore the publications eligible for the giveaway:

L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui Hors-série – KAAN Architecten

I Maestri dell’Architettura Collector’s Edition – KAAN Architecten

Crematorium Siesegem

Utopia – Library and Academy for Performing Arts

ISMO – Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d’Orsay

To enter, fill in the form HERE with your contact information and mark your preferred publication. Please note the giveaway will close on 18 March 2020. Winners will be selected at random and notified by email. Collected information will be kept confidential and used solely for contacting the winners.

20/12 2019

FLOWCITY at 2019 Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture Shenzhen

KAAN Architecten will participate in the 2019 Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture (UABB) with FLOWCITY, a 24-screen immersive video installation documenting the era of new mobility, urban infrastructure and transport hubs.

FLOWCITY visualizes how we operate as collective space makers. The video traces the evolution of the new Terminal – from a winning competition entry through several phases of development, towards the current design decisions. The vast quantity of data, collected over the past three years, is quantified over time to illustrate the progressive and fluid nature of its design. The reflection on the quantity of stored data includes the prediction of the movement of people within the new terminal and the constant exchange of information between the different flows: workers, travellers and visitors.

FLOWCITY video has been designed by RNDR with OPENRNDR software, and commissioned by KAAN Architecten.

The Bi-City Biennale will open its doors to the public on December 21st, 2019 at the new Futian high-speed Railway Station and at the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning. If you wish to know more about the 2019 Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture (UABB) please visit the official website.

04/11 2019

De Meester 2019 winner announced

The fifth edition of De Meester event and prize ceremony took place last Wednesday, 30 October at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam. The jury led by Dikkie Scipio crowned De Meester 2019 winner Ruud van Leeuwen and his project ‘From Hammerbrook to Hammerstadt’. 

An impressive panel of judges, praised Ruud’s ‘extensive, refreshingly illustrated study in which all conceivable current questions, from sustainable mobility to decentralised waste processing, ecology, water and climate-proof living are answered in an ambitious way.’

Organized by the Fleur Groenendijk Foundation in collaboration with Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design, De Meester award aims to highlight and promote work of young architecture graduates in the Netherlands, giving them a platform to present themselves to larger audiences and make a debut within the professional sphere.This edition also marks the fifth and last year of Dikkie Scipio presiding as jury chairman for the award. During her tenure, she sought out to highlight the work of recent graduates that shows social and contextual relevance, craftsmanship, and a clear vision.

Explore the winning project here.
Photographs of the event by Rhalda Jansen Photography.

25/09 2019

Construction starts on Loenen Pavilion

Yesterday’s festive ceremony at the National Field of Honour marked the beginning of construction on the multifunctional Loenen Pavilion.

KAAN Architecten was commissioned  by The Netherlands War Graves Foundation to design a new multifunctional memorial and education centre at the National Field of Honour in Loenen. The main focus of the centre will be to tell stories about Dutch war victims, the efforts of Dutch people during World War II and current international peace missions.

The pavilion will act as a connecting element between the new National Veterans Cemetery and the existing Field of Honour. The landscape, originally designed in 1949 by garden and landscape architect D. Haspels and extended by Karres + Brands, is characterised by the contrast between open spaces and the dense forest.

The rich woods, existing routes and the scenic qualities of this exceptional site have been used to underline the unifying role of the building.

The completion of the project and the official opening are set for next year. Explore the full project here.

 

18/09 2019

Utopia to participate in the Day of Architecture 2019 in Flanders

Utopia Library and Academy for Performing Arts in Aalst will be open to the public as a part of the Flemish Day of Architecture (Dag van de Architectuur). This Sunday, 22 September from 13.00-17.00h, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant new landmark in the city.

Day of Architecture is just one of many events taking place during the week long Festival of Architecture from 21 – 27 September. Organized by the Flemish Architecture Institute, the festival focuses on the quality of the designed space as the result of an open conversation in which designers, policy makers and residents meet. The program builds a bridge between all these actors and encourages everyone to think about a well-designed environment and how they can contribute to it.

Find out more information here.

10/07 2019

Inside the KAAN Architecten Studio Visit

Last Friday, 5 July, KAAN Architecten hosted a Studio Visit in collaboration with Het Nieuwe Instituut which elaborated on the design, building and communication methodology in the modern day practice. Photo report below takes you inside the event.

The event kicked off with an introduction by Kees Kaan, followed by an exploration of the layered process behind the making of the office’s projects. Divided into four phases – competition, design, construction and communication; the visitors got to participate in a series of interactive sessions in which architects shared tools and techniques as well as personal anecdotes relating to each project phase.

Photographs by Narine Gyulkhasyan (KAAN Architecten).

24/06 2019

Studio Visit at KAAN Architecten

In an ongoing series of Studio Visits hosted and curated by architectural offices in collaboration with Het Nieuwe Instituut, KAAN Architecten will open their doors and invite professionals, students and the broader public to cross the threshold, take a peek into the office and join the conversation. Save the date on 5 July!

In a recent lecture, co-founder Kees Kaan anticipated a reinstatement of the architect’s position in a highly collaborative field. “Today, design practice is all about explaining the project to numerous stakeholders,” he said. “Architects are used to negotiating, dealing with criticism, and explaining things. New 3D-modelling techniques, which allow the rapid production of multiple variations, diagrams, spreadsheets and presentations, have enabled architects to be in control of the design process once more.”

In this context, this Studio Visit will offer insight into how KAAN Architecten positions itself in a shifting architectural practice, from DBFMO (design, build, finance, maintain and operate) tenders to the use of new design techniques in the office. Participants will be introduced to the studio through a series of interactive sessions in which architects will uncover the layered process behind the making of the office’s projects.

More information on tickets and the programme can be found at the link.

Photograph by Simone Bossi.

21/06 2019

Listen to Change – Eyes and Ears of the City

Ahead of the 2019 Shenzhen Biennale of Urbanism\Architecture (UABB), titled “Urban Interactions”, Kees Kaan joins the collective discussion on the evolving relationship between cities and technology. 

Opening in December 2019 in Shenzhen, China, UABB will feature two shows run by two independent curatorial teams. The “Eyes of the City” section, curated by MIT professor Carlo Ratti, investigates the way digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence will impact both urban life and architectural practices. In his statement as Foundational Contributor, Kees Kaan discusses what happens when the sensor-imbued city acquires the ability to see – almost as if it had eyes.

“Digital technology in the Information Age, and all its offspring, are having a significantly different effect on our lives than previous technological revolutions had. With the possibility to develop and produce in different and quicker ways, these new technologies allow us to use what we already have in a completely different manner. New technologies bear the promise of a more sustainable life.

The space that we move in will be aware of our presence and actions, and the vehicles we drive and the tools we use will be connected and communicate with us and each other directly. This opens a perspective on previously unimaginable possibilities of a different daily life coming true in the existing urban space. The future will not only be made of new buildings and spaces but will also reveal an entirely different use to what is already there.

Architects are ultimately interested in urban change caused by new ways of living and working, new infrastructure and urban facilities and different uses and management of public spaces. To be able to design for an unknown future we need to develop a proper understanding or informed intuition of this change. To predict the future based on what we know and can imagine today is hardly possible. However, it is possible to get a better understanding of what is already there and from that point onwards to identify and understand what is likely to change and what is not. Only then can we start to speculate on how to recover the future with architecture.

For planners/architects/designers, the challenge is to translate the impact of rapid changes – especially on energy, mobility, health and leisure – into planning and design questions. The question for us is: “how can the City of the Future be imagined? How can those smart innovations be introduced into the domain of architecture and urban design?”

By using Amsterdam as a living laboratory, graduate students, researchers and teachers have been exploring how these changes might affect this city. We aim to understand the structure of today’s Amsterdam, to explore possible future scenarios and to speculate on new architectural types and new ways of living in this city. By listening to the changes from the past, we foresee what is then coming.”

Find more information about the Biennale here.

06/06 2019

Day of Architecture and Day of Construction with KAAN Architecten

On Saturday, 15 June 2019, KAAN Architecten will participate in both the Day of Architecture and the Day of Construction. To mark this special day, our flagship projects in Rotterdam and Amsterdam will be open to the public.

From 11.00-17.00 h, guided tours will take place at De Bank, the Rotterdam office of KAAN Architecten. Meanwhile in Amsterdam, on the construction site of the new Courthouse, the project team will host the visitors from 10.00-16.00h and introduce the design of the building.

Explore the events here (Day of Architecture, Day of Construction)

03/06 2019

Work on KMSKA continues

Photographer Karin Borghouts continues her periodical visits to the site of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp where she captures instances of the ongoing renovation and extension. Explore the full photo report below!

Since the last construction update, major progress has been made with both the historical and the new museum taking shape. The complete overhaul of Antwerp’s prestigious institution aims to restore the original routing and decorations dignifying the intrinsic qualities of the space, while the new extension enriches the museum experience through contemporary practices.

Photographs by Karin Borghouts.

23/05 2019

Dikkie Scipio appointed Professor at Münster University of Applied Sciences

Dikkie Scipio, co-founding partner of KAAN Architecten, has recently joined the Faculty of Architecture at the Münster University of Applied Sciences, where she holds the position of the Professor of Architectural Design.

Having studied arts, design and architecture at renowned Dutch Royal academies as well as having spearheaded large scale transformation projects such as B30, Paleis Het Loo or the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Scipio has a unique arsenal of experiences to pass on to her students. However, her appointment to this position is not only a milestone in her multi-faceted career as an architect, but also a recognition of her advocacy and promotion of young architects, be it students or recent graduates.

Following initiatives like De Meester and her work with Fleur Groenendijk Foundation, she maintains the importance of dialogue as essential for the design process. It is her intention to teach students in Münster how to open themselves to critiques and impressions, how to make their own decisions, and in return: “Working with the younger generation, I hope to find things that I did not look for.”

Find more information here.

21/05 2019

Kees Kaan to participate in the opening of the fourth Rotterdam Architecture Month

The fourth edition of Rotterdam Architecture Month will start on Friday, 24 May, with an opening lecture by Eran Chen (ODA) who will be joined by Kees Kaan for a panel discussion afterwards.

Guided by the notion of ‘layered city’ as the overarching theme of RAM, both architects will discuss their experiences and ideas for the future of Rotterdam city centre.

As the city’s supervisor of urban development, Kees Kaan will reflect on the importance of renovation processes such as the Post Office transformation by ODA together with Braaksma & Roos.

Suitably, the event will take place at 19.30 in the historic former Post Office at Coolsingel 42.

Featured image: Postkantoor Rotterdam by ODA and Braaksma & Roos.

 

10/05 2019

Kees Kaan to speak at INDESEM 2019 lecture series

On Monday, 13 May 2019, Kees Kaan will give a public lecture and participate in a discussion at INDESEM 2019, taking place at 17.40 h in the Orange Hall of the TU Delft Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment.

INDESEM, International Design Seminar, is a biennial event with lectures, excursions, debates and a workshop, all organised around a specific theme. This year’s theme, Beyond the Echo Chamber, focuses on how to position yourself as an architect in our rapidly changing, (digitally) connected society. Adhering to the seminar theme, Kaan will give his insight on the scope of an architect’s work and how it transforms with each project. After the lecture he will engage in a discussion with moderator Salomon Frausto and architect Alun Jones (Dow Jones Architects).

For more information follow the link or check out the programme in the PDF below.

09/04 2019

Vincent Panhuysen to give a lecture at NCSU College of Design

On Monday, April 15, Vincent Panhuysen, founding principal of KAAN Architecten, will give a lecture at the North Carolina State University College of Design in Raleigh.

With the overarching theme of contextuality and dialogue with the surroundings, Panhuysen’s lecture will revisit some of the office’s most notable projects such as the Dutch Embassy in Mozambique, Supreme Court of The Netherlands, as well as the UTOPIA library and Crematorium Siesegem in Aalst, Belgium.

The lecture is a part of the joint lecture series with AIA Triangle and will take place at Burns Auditorium at NCSU at 18.00. Find more information here.

11/03 2019

KAAN Architecten opens new Paris office

The launch of the Parisian office marks another milestone in the growing international presence of KAAN Architecten which, alongside the Rotterdam headquarters, includes a second outpost opened in 2015 in São Paulo, Brazil.

KAAN Architecten already has a firm footing in France after completing three projects in the country in recent years. The firm’s French oeuvre includes residential projects in Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande near Rennes and the Rives de la Haute Deûle area in Lille, as well as the highly lauded Institut des Sciences Moléculaires located within the Paris-Saclay Campus, in Orsay.

featured image: Cité des Métiers et de l’Artisanat ©Fernando Guerra FG+SG | left: Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande ©Christian Richters | right: Rives de la Haute Deûle ©Sebastian van Damme

The office has also participated in ambitious international studies such as the competition for the new Gare d’Austerlitz in Paris and the CHU hospital campus and research institute in Nantes.

Several other projects in France are due for completion this year, like the Cité des Métiers et de l’Artisanat in Lille, designed in collaboration with Pranlas-Descours Architect & Associates. Additionally, two large mixed-use complexes are in the final phase of construction: one close to EuraTechnologies area in Lille, the other in the ZAC Bottière-Chénaie in Nantes. Meanwhile, an office complex in Aubervilliers, Paris, is currently in design stage. Once completed, it is set to revitalize the former logistics area at the borders of Paris.

Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d’Orsay ©Fernando Guerra FG+SG

Led by architect Marylène Gallon, the new Parisian office will continue the multidisciplinary design approach set out by the Dutch headquarters. Furthermore, it will reinforce the presence of KAAN Architecten within France, developing relationships with both new and established clients and partners. Using research, innovation and technical expertise acquired in projects of varying scale, the firm intends to deliver creative, yet context-specific solutions fit for contemporary use by both public and private clients in France.

Ilot 13 ©Sebastian van Damme

ZAC Bottière-Chénaie ©JF Molliere

09/01 2019

Dikkie Scipio on creating a platform for young architects

‘Young people with fresh new ideas are the lifeblood of our office’ claims KAAN Architecten founding partner Dikkie Scipio in her latest interview for the Fleur Groenendijk Foundation where she serves as a board member. Right at the heels of announcing the new De Meester winner for 2018, this rings true more than ever. 

Graduating with top marks aside, the success of every young architect relies heavily on being recognized and embraced by potential customers or employers, explains Scipio. This is why De Meester award was created – to give young graduates a platform to present themselves to larger audiences and make a debut within the professional sphere. Along with a jury of industry professionals, she seeks to highlight the work of recent graduates that shows social and contextual relevance, craftsmanship, and a clear vision.

Same rules apply within the office, where combination of experienced and young architects meet in a dialogue that is essential for the design process. In her own words: ‘This is the start of the dialogue that you hope will lead to something better, something that you could not have thought of beforehand.’

Read the full interview here. (Dutch only)

 

10/12 2018

‘Making Architecture’ – lecture by Kees Kaan at TU Eindhoven

This Thursday, 13 December, Kees Kaan will participate in the lecture series ‘Making Architecture’ at TU Eindhoven together with Jeroen van Schooten (Team V Architectuur). In a double lecture format, the speakers will elaborate on a number of projects that show how the process of making – from concept to building, unfolds within their offices.

The event will take place in the Filmzaal of the Zwarte Doos at the TU Eindhoven at 19.30. The lecture series is organized by AnArchi, Study Association for Architecture, and Juliette Bekkering of The Chair of Architectural Design and Engineering (ADE) at the TU Eindhoven. Find out more here.

09/10 2018

Opening of the Crematorium Siesegem

A grand opening was held on 6 September, 2018 at the recently completed crematorium in Aalst, Belgium.

Just three months after completing the Utopia Library and Academy for performing arts in Aalst, KAAN Architecten added another landmark to their Belgian opus right at the edge of the same city. Recently finished Crematorium Siesegem was opened in a lavish ceremony with several hundred visitors.

Former Westlede director Kris Coenegrachts and the mayor of Aalst, Christoph D’Haese gave inaugural speeches, while KAAN Architecten founding partner Vincent Panhuysen presented the design.

Visitors participated in a guided tour, where they explored the building and the landscape, as well as learned about the cremation process and ceremony. See the atmosphere from the opening event in a photo reportage by Sebastian van Damme.

Full release of the project is set for November. In the meantime, find out more about the design here.

 

04/10 2018

Inauguration of the new ISMO building

The new Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d’Orsay was officially inaugurated Tuesday, 25 September, at the University Paris-Sud by Frédérique Vidal, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

During the ceremony speeches were given by Sylvie Retailleau, President of Paris-Sud University, Antoine Petit, President and CEO of CNRS and Gilles Bloch, President of Université Paris-Saclay, and the architects from KAAN Architecten (Kees Kaan) and FRES architects (Laurent Gravier + Sara Martin Camara).

After the ceremony, Kees Kaan gave a presentation on the design of ISMO, which is distinguished by a harmonic coexistence of nature and scientific research. The newly opened building will serve over 160 students, researchers and teachers working in molecular physics, nano-science, chemistry and biology.

Explore the full project here.

 

28/09 2018

New Schiphol Terminal wins the 2018 International Architecture Award

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Terminal has been awarded the International Architecture Award for the ‘Transportation’ category. 

The award was announced just in time to mark a year since KAAN Architecten, Estudio Lamela, ABT bv, Ineco, DGMR, Arnout Meijer Studio and Planeground Airport Consulting, operating as KL AIR, won commission to design Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Terminal. Today, September 28, 2018, a special exhibition of all awarded buildings will open at the annual symposium, “The City and the World” at The Contemporary Space in Athens.

The International Architectural Awards are organized by The Chicago Athenaeum, together with The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies, and serve to honor new and cutting-edge design worldwide. Find out more about the awards here.

27/09 2018

Supreme Court at Marmomac Fair

Participating in the world’s biggest fair dedicated to natural stone, KAAN Architecten will present the Supreme Court project in The Hague.

Yesterday marked the start of Marmomac International Trade Fair for Stone Design and Technology which will continue over the next four days in Verona. Dedicated to the natural stone industry, the fair represents the entire supply chain from processing to application in architectural design. During today’s events, KAAN Architecten project leader Marco Lanna will give a lecture on the Supreme Court project in The Hague, which features pronounced use of light grey limestone within its interior.

Photographs © Fernando Guerra | FG+SG.

 

 

18/09 2018

Save the date for De Meester 2018

The fourth edition of ‘De Meester’ event and prize ceremony will take place on Wednesday, 31 October 2018, at Garage Rotterdam.

Organized by the Fleur Groenendijk Foundation in collaboration with Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design and under the guidance of Dikkie Scipio, the De Meester award serves to highlight and promote work of young architecture graduates in the Netherlands.

Serving as jury leader, Dikkie Scipio has assembled a panel of judges comprising journalist and author Tracy Metz, architect Bjarne Mastenbroek, urban planner Karen van Vliet, and Rotterdam Festivals director Johan Moerman.

During the evening ceremony, the jury will see project presentations by this year’s nominees: Nina van Osta (Beauty of the Grey), Jurian Voets (Intense Stad Oude Westen) and Bram van Ooijen (Al-Wihdat refuge camp in Amman). All projects address topical issues of urban life while questioning the disciplines of architecture and urban planning.

Join the De Meester 2018 event and award ceremony on 31 October 2018, at Garage Rotterdam, for an evening of dynamic discussions and new ideas. Register to attend the event here.

 

10/09 2018

Opening of Academic Year at Tilburg University

On Monday, September 3, Tilburg Universiry celebrated the opening of the academic year, which took place in the new education and independent study center on the campus, CUBE.

The ceremony included speeches by Professor Emile Aarts, Rector Magnificus, Ingrid van Engelshoven, Dutch Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, Professor Koen Becking, President of the Executive Board, and a group of students.

The CUBE is now officially open for the upcoming school year, with its 11,000 square meters floor area intended to better facilitate university students and raise the level of education on offer. Its position strengthens the landscape structure towards the northwest side and fully integrates the pre-existing campus configuration. 

Find more information about Tilburg University academic year opening ceremony here.

 

05/09 2018

Crematorium Aalst to hold grand opening

KAAN Architecten is set to unveil the recently finished crematorium in an opening ceremony tomorrow in Belgium.

The official opening of Crematorium Aalst will take place on Thursday 6 September at 17.00. The ceremony will include a welcome speech by Westlede director Kris Coenegrachts, the mayor of Aalst Christoph D’Haese, and a presentation by KAAN Architecten founding partner Vincent Panhuysen. A guided tour will take the visitors through the building, displaying the easily-read spaces and the cohesive relationship with landscape in which it is set.

The crematorium was built in the marshy pastures just outside of Aalst, Belgium. The serenity desired of such an institution has been carefully translated into a design that puts emphasis on natural light, varying textures and neutrality which can allow guests to find their own comfortable spaces. The goal was to design a building capable of internalizing the landscape so that its tranquility could console visitors and provide strength. Key to achieving this were its linearity, rhythmic layout of alternating patios, open courtyards, glass walls and – in the chapels – column-free spaces. Through the use of renewable and low carbon impact materials and the state-of-the-art heat recovery systems, zero-energy consumption is achieved, making sustainability an additional pillar of strength for the design.

Full release of the project is set for November. In the meantime, find out more about the design here. Photographs courtesy of Simone Bossi.

27/07 2018

Complex Projects presents AMS MID-CITY Graduation show

After a yearlong studio, a graduation show of the Complex Projects AMS Mid-City was held on 12 July 2018 in the Orange Hall of the TU Delft Faculty of Architecture.

The itinerant exhibition already took place in Amsterdam’s  ZuiderKerk earlier this June, and has arrived to TU Delft’s Faculty of Architecture just in time for graduation period. The Chair of Complex Projects teamed up with the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions, the municipality of Amsterdam and KAAN Architecten to focus on the theme AMSTERDAM 2050.


Almost 80 students, comprising more than 50 graduates, exhibited group models as well as individual projects. Group models sized 2.1×2.1 meters, represented scaled down areas of Amsterdam like Zaanstad, Centraal, Amstel, City islands or Schiphol Corridor. Students reimagined what the specific sites would be in 2050, based on a critical analysis of current findings and practices in the city.


Some of the projects dealt with future mobility and connectivity in the city, ways of densifying the historic and UNESCO protected city center etc. Other imaginative ideas include an organ factory, a drone fighting arena where part of the students work as well as a zero polluting inner-city energy production. Aerial photos by Sebastian van Damme showcase the student interventions in their actual contextual relations.  

23/07 2018

UTOPIA in Aalst now open for public

After almost two years of construction, Utopia Library and Academy for Performing Arts in Aalst has finally opened its doors to the public on Thursday, 21 June 2018.

More than 25 000 visitors gathered for the opening festivities spanning over 4 days (21-24 June) where they participated in concerts, workshops and dance performances. Official presentations took place on Friday, 22 June, with speeches from representatives of the Aalst city council, Utopia board of directors, KAAN Architecten and Aalst mayor.

Following a competition in 2015, the Aalst city council chose to establish a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) based on a Design & Build contract. The project was assigned to a team consisting of Van Roey as main contractor and KAAN Architecten as architect, working in close collaboration throughout the whole project development and construction.

This new cultural landmark for the city incorporates a striking historic building from the second half of the 19th century and rejuvenates the urban landscape while elegantly giving expression to the required functionality. The desire of KAAN Architecten to interact with the urban fabric has been achieved: Utopia is already a reference point in Aalst city center, with citizens eager to enjoy and welcome a new landmark in their everyday lives.

 

 

 

 

07/06 2018

Central Post featured in “Gaten in de muur” film

“Gaten in de muur” is a film dedicated to the forgotten monumental art pieces in the city of Rotterdam and it has been directed by Jan Dirk Schouten. After the 1940 bombing, artists and architects joined forces to re-build the city. Dikkie Scipio appears in the film as one of the expert following the renovation of the Central Post building completed in 2010, presenting art pieces by famous Dutch artist Louis van Roode.

The film will be screened at Cinerama on Sunday 10 June at 16.30 and Tuesday 12 June at 19.30.

For more information, please check out this link.

31/05 2018

OZC “The Cube” participates in the Day of Architecture 2018

On Saturday June 2nd, 2018, the construction site of the OZC “The Cube” in Tilburg will be open to the public on the occasion of the “Dag van de Architectuur 2018”. A guided tour, starting at 13.00, will be led by KAAN Architecten and introduce the visitors to the new building within the campus of the Tilburg University.

For more information and to book your visit, please check this link: Dag van de Architectuur 2018

14/05 2018

Kees Kaan lecture at AIT Architektur Salon Munich

On Wednesday May 16th, 2018 starting from 19.00, Kees Kaan will hold a lecture at the AIT-Award 2018 – Architecktur Salon in Munich (Germany). His speech will focus on the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, which has been awarded in 2016 with the AIT Award for Office/Administration category. If you happen to be in Munich and would like to participate in the event, please confirm your presence to: muenchen@ait-architektursalon.de

10/05 2018

“Model Agency” exhibition at ARCAM

From February to September 2018, the exhibition space of the Amsterdam Architecture Centre has been turned into the ARCAM Model Agency. From May till July, the model of the new Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Terminal will be part of this project’s parade. The exhibition doesn’t focus on large urban issues and challenges, but rather put small-scale projects to the spotlight that shape the city of Amsterdam.

04/05 2018

Open day at the Crematorium Aalst

On Sunday May 6th, 2018, starting at 10am, the construction site of the Crematorium in Aalst, will be open to the public for guided tours as part of the Open Werven Dag. The building is characterised by a wide variety concrete textures, glass walls, column-free spaces and a rhythmic layout of patios and courtyards, it will be officially completed this summer.

© Sebastian van Damme

11/04 2018

Homo Universalis (f/m): Dikkie Scipio lecture in Münster

On Thursday April 12th, starting from 18.30, Dikkie Scipio will held a lecture at the Münster School of Architecture (Germany). The topic “Homo Universalis (f/m)” talks about architects and how their profession is appealing to people’s imagination. Dikkie Scipio will relate this assumption to the Education Center Erasmus MC project in Rotterdam and go through its design process, its construction technics and how it’s enjoyed by everyday users.

05/04 2018

Kees Kaan lecture at WorldBuild Moscow

On April 4th, 2018 Kees Kaan took part in WorldBuild Moscow / MosBuild, a 4-days conference about building technologies and materials, with the keynote “The development of building technologies and their influence on modern architecture” moderated by Sergei Georgievski. Kees Kaan talked about how architecture is increasingly influenced by innovation and how the 21st century is driven by energy transition, SMART buildings, circularity and most of all Information Technology.

 

 

11/01 2018

Dikkie Scipio for Letters to the Mayor

The initiative started in 2014 by Storefront for Art and Architecture, Letters to the Mayor – Rotterdam invites a select group of international architects including Dikkie Scipio to write a letter to Mayor Aboutaleb of Rotterdam, articulating some of the pressing questions and desires that, as architects, they believe play an important role in the political dimensions and decisions that drive the making of cities and territories.

Letters to the Mayor will be launched on Friday 12 January 2018, in the presence of the Mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, and will be on show at the Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam until 11 February 2018.

21/11 2017

Contract-signing ceremony at Schiphol

Last week the KL AIR team, composed by KAAN Architecten, Estudio Lamela, ABT, Ineco, Arnout Meijer Studio, DGMR and Planeground, was invited by the Schiphol Nederland B.V. to the official contract-signing ceremony.

The new Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Terminal is to be completed by 2023. As the event teaser states: “Now signing the contract. Soon a new terminal”.

 

photo © Bart Brussee

31/10 2017

Dikkie Scipio jury member of De Meester 2017

The third edition’s winner of “De Meester”, the architecture promotion prize, will be announced on Wednesday November 1st, 2017 at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam.

The Fleur Groenendijk Foundation in collaboration with the Rotterdamse Academie van Bouwkunst and with Dikkie Scipio as founder created “De Meester”. The prize aims to promote the work of young Dutch architects and urban planners.

Dikkie Scipio is part of the jury evaluating the works in a live and dynamic discussion, together with Marina van den Bergen (Archined), Robert-Jan de Kort (De Kort Van Schaik), Mendel Robbers (Schipper Bosch), Rens Schulze (Geurst & Schulze architecten).

 

De Avond van de Meester 2017 at Het Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam

Wednesday November 1, 2017 – h 18.30 / 20.00

07/09 2017

Vincent Panhuysen’s lecture at Crematorium Heimolen

On Sunday September 10th, 2017 at 15.00, Vincent Panhuysen will give a lecture at the Crematorium Heimolen in Sint-Niklaas (Belgium) as part of the Festival van de Architectuur 2017 showcasing the best Belgian architecture from all over the country. 

The crematorium was completed by KAAN Architecten in 2008 and after almost 10 years it still captures the attention of the public and architecture press.

For more information about the event, please check the Festival van de Architectuur 2017’s website.

15/06 2017

De Bank welcomes the Day of Architecture Rotterdam 2017

On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June, KAAN Architecten’s office will be open to visitors as part of the “Day of Architecture 2017” in Rotterdam that this year is focused on the Maritime District and the Wilhelminapier.

 

Both days from 12.00 to 17.00, two guides will welcome visitors inside De Bank and give guided tours of the space every half-hour.

For more information, visit the website of the event.

30/05 2017

Het Grote Publiek Gebouwen Congres invites Dikkie Scipio as speaker

On Wednesday May 31st, 2017, Dikkie Scipio will take part in the “Het Grote Publiek Gebouwen Congres”, a one-day event held at Lantaren Venster in Rotterdam.

On Wednesday May 31st, 2017, Dikkie Scipio will take part in the “Het Grote Publiek Gebouwen Congres”, a one-day event held at Lantaren Venster in Rotterdam.

The congress, organized by Architectenweb, will focus on the design of public buildings: from shopping and sport centers to museums and other cultural buildings. Starting at 13.45, Dikkie Scipio will give a lecture about the renovation and new design of the Education Center Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, the ongoing renovation of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp and the upcoming one of Museum Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn.

Several projects and topics will be discussed by a range of speakers including Florian Idenburg (SO-IL), Michiel Riedijk (Neutelings Riedijk Architecten), Frederik Vermeersch (Rijnboutt), Erik Moederscheim (Moederscheim Moonen) and many more.

For more information, please visit this link.

Het Grote Publiek Gebouwen Congres

31 May 2017 – h 10.00 / 17.00

Lantaren Venster – Rotterdam

10/05 2017

Dikkie Scipio’s lecture in Nancy

This Thursday, May 11th, 2017 starting from 18.00, Dikkie Scipio will give a public lecture at the Ecole Nationale Supérieur d’Architecture de Nancy about the refurbishment and renovation of historic monumental architecture.

During the lecture “Past structures in present tenses“, Dikkie will discuss how working with listed buildings represents a very specific typology in architecture.

Many theories are developed around how to approach the refurbishment of historic monumental architecture. How to integrate elegantly new additions within a pre-existing situation? Through three different restoration and extension projects by KAAN Architecten, Dikkie Scipio will analyse the practice of implementing monumental buildings with innovative features and the challenge of finding a fair balance between the old and the new.
B30 (The Hague), the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Antwerp) and the Museum Paleis Het Loo (Apeldoorn) are currently in different stages of completion and offer an extensive overview on this particular topic.
Thursday 11 May 2017 – h 18.00 – Amphi B
Ecole Nationale Supérieur d’Architecture de Nancy
2 Rue Bastien-Lepage – Parvis Vacchini Nancy
08/03 2017

Supreme Court at Borneo Architecture Center in Amsterdam

Starting from March 9th, 2017, the exhibition “​Daglicht Architectuur” at the Borneo Architecture Center in Amsterdam will feature all winners of the Daylight Award including the Supreme Court of the Netherlands. The project will be presented by Vincent Panhuysen in a lecture during the opening evening.

 

Since 2004 the Living Daylights Foundation has been working to promote the optimal use of daylight in the built environment by engaging with architects, designers, urban planners and stakeholders.
The exhibition at the Borneo Architecture Center in Amsterdam wants to highlight the quality of the award’s project selection and involve visitors in several public debates and lectures by the winning architects.
On Thursday March 9th, 2017 at 20.00, 2016’s winners will present their projects, Vincent Panhuysen with the Supreme Court of the Netherlands and Tim de Graag with House 20×3.

Borneo Architecture Center – Amsterdam

“Daglicht Architectuur” exhibition

9 March – 22 June 2017 / monday – friday h 11.00 – 17.00

22/02 2017

GUZ reaches its highest point

The Geo- and Environmental Research Center (GUZ) is under construction in Tübingen (Germany) and on February 23rd, 2017 starting from 10.00 the university will celebrate its highest point. Scaffolding are now hiding KAAN Architecten’s glass volume that will emerge from the campus wrapped by two meters high and deep façades’ rings. The building is expected to be completed by mid 2018.

12/12 2016

A lecture and exhibition in Guadalajara

Next Tuesday December 13th, 2016 starting from 7 PM, Kees Kaan will give a lecture at Galería Tiro al Blanco, a new exhibition and cultural space in Guadalajara (Mexico). At the same time a photographic exhibition will illustrate KAAN Architecten’s projects.

“One Mould” will illustrate KAAN Architecten’s projects starting from an enlightening retrospective on the history and the actual planning and development of the Dutch urban landscape. Put a shovel in the ground and the hole will fill itself with water immediately. The permanent relation with the water throughout the history has settled in the DNA of Dutch culture.

Building Dutch cities implied making or reinforcing the land, keeping it in place and making foundations in the water. There is little stable and dry land available so not only buildings are constructed but so are the streets and the canals. The section canal, street and house are inherently related and intertwined: one “mould” (synonymous of build, form, shape, structure, nature, character, quality).

If architecture is supposed to reflect shared values the question is raised what extend contemporary buildings can actually represent fundamental principles of the organizations they facilitate.

13 December 2016 – h 7 PM

Galería Tiro al Blanco, Juan Alvarez 833, Col. Sagrada Familia, Guadalajara (Mexico)

21/11 2016

Exhibition “Where Modern Justice Lives” features Supreme Court

Today at the UK Supreme Court in central London opens the architecture exhibition dedicated to modern Supreme Court buildings across the world.

“Where Modern Justice Lives”, curated by architect Elsie Owusu OBE of the Supreme Court Arts Trust, will encourage visitors to reflect on the role that court buildings have in supporting public confidence in democracy and the rule of law.

The projects on display, together with the Supreme Court of the Netherlands, are: the Singapore Supreme Court (Foster + Partners), the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg (Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners), the South Africa Constitutional Court (Janina Masojada, Andrew Makin and Paul Wygers), the Palace of Justice in Tirana (Grimshaw Architects), and the Supreme Court of Albania (Studio Sadar+Vuga).

 

“Where Modern Justice Lives”

21 November – 16 December 2016 / 9.30 – 16.30 from Mondays to Fridays

Supreme Court UK – Parliament Square, Little George St, Westminster, London

14/11 2016

Dikkie Scipio jury member of De Meester 2016

The second edition’s winner of “De Meester”, the architecture promotion prize, will be announced on Wednesday November 16th, 2016 at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam.

The Fleur Groenendijk Foundation in collaboration with the Rotterdamse Academie van Bouwkunst and with Dikkie Scipio as founder created “De Meester”. The prize aims to promote the work of young Dutch architects and urban planners.

Dikkie Scipio is part of the jury evaluating the works in a live and dynamic discussion, together with Frits van Dongen (architect and former Rijksbouwmeester), Arjen Knoester (senior architect at Stadsontwikkeling Rotterdam, Morfis architecture and urbanism), Hans Lensvelt (design expert of Lensvelt Contract Furniture), and Merel Pit (architecture journalist).

Candidates for the 5.000 euro promotional prize are Alex de Jong with Water vernieuwt!, Barend Mense with Inclusive Hackney and Martins Duselis with Roseform.

 

De Avond van de Meester 2016 at Het Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam

Wednesday November 16, 2016 – h 20.00 / 23.00 – sign up for free entrance

20/10 2016

“The Learn’d” at the Istanbul Design Biennial 2016

Are we human?. The 2016 edition of the Istanbul Design Biennial, curated by Beatriz Colomina and Mark Wigley, features a selection of research projects focused on the relation between design and people.

The Learn’d, the short film about the Education Center Erasmus MC has been chosen by Marco Brizzi and Davide Rapp, curators of The Architecture Player, to take part to Fictional Humanism, an original video project.

Fictional Humanism looks at architecture from a different point of view. In videos, architectural projects change, both in their identity and in their ontology, together with the human presences featured in it.

“Are we human?” – 3rd Istanbul Design Biennial; 22 October – 20 November 2016

ap_fictional-houmanisms_02 ap_fictional-houmanisms_03

07/10 2016

Netherlands Embassy featured at BIA-AR 2016

The Bienal Internacional de Arquitectura – Argentina 2016 will take place in Cordoba (Argentina) from October 11th to 14th. The event will host 5 international speakers and it will feature 36 international works including the Netherlands Embassy in Mozambique.

“Processes” focuses on types of architecture that address the concept of processes, either because they affect their surroundings in some vital way, or because of the singularity of the design and construction process itself.

1_netherlands-embassy_kaan-architecten-christian-richters

09/05 2016

#hetnieuwemuseum microsite launch and the interview with Dikkie Scipio

Today the Flemish Minister of Culture Sven Gatz visited the new vertical museum under construction and launched the new microsite “hetnieuwemuseum.be” documenting the renovation and extension works.

The interactive microsite shows the vertical museum design and simulation of the new rooms and museum spaces, alongside with regular updates on both the renovation and new museum works. A timelapse camera is screening the constant changes of the construction site.

The launch coincide with the second renovation phase involving the six museum courtyards: two small ones containing technical installations and four bigger ones welcoming new exhibition spaces designed by KAAN Architecten. Big voids and a new roof are at the core of the design, while the original routing of the museum is restored.

The main entrance part will feature a public library, a museum shop, a café, an auditorium, a cloakroom, toilets and workshop rooms. The renovation of the facade will start in late 2017 and the new Royal Museum of Fine Arts will open again its doors in 2019.

An extensive interview with Dikkie Scipio “Two worlds inside one museum” illustrates the design process and the vertical museum design.

18/04 2016

The Power of Architecture

On Friday April 22, 2016, starting from 6 PM, at Garage Rotterdam, Kees Kaan (KAAN Architecten) and Bjarne Hammer (Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects) will present the new projects of high court buildings just completed in The Hague: the Supreme Court of the Netherlands and the International Criminal Court. The lectures will be followed by a public debate moderated by Salomon Frausto.

Two distinguished high courts have just been built in the city of The Hague (NL):
• the Supreme Court of the Netherlands on Korte Voorhout, designed by KAAN Architecten (Rotterdam, NL)
• the International Criminal Court on the corner between Oude Waalsdorperweg and Van Alkemadelaan, designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects (Copenhagen, DK)

 

Constitutional law usually requires that court proceedings, and therefore the court buildings as well, are open to the public. Openness must be guaranteed by providing a suitably accessible location in an urban environment and by ensuring appropriate security measures. Additionally, these buildings must also offer sheltered environments allowing comfortable working conditions. The buildings need to be both inviting and secured, with separate routes and accessibility for the public, the judges and the defendants. Can these seemingly contradictory requisites coincide architecturally in an appealing and contemporary way? Queries about the power of architecture can also extend to further issues. A classical building exhibiting a personified Justitia on its pediment is easily identified as a courthouse, however this does not necessarily give expression to state democracy. In these times of terrorism, can the Rechtsstaat (Rule of Law) find an appropriate interpretation through contemporary architectural methods?

 

Garage Rotterdam, Goudsewagenstraat 27, Rotterdam
Friday April 22nd, 2016
18:00 – 21:30
Free entrance

programme:
18:00 opening and welcome speech
18:40 Kees Kaan introduces the Supreme Court of the Netherland, The Hague
19:00 Bjarne Hammer introduces the International Criminal Court, The Hague
19:20 the moderator will animate a debate with the speakers and the public
20:00 drinks

 

Supreme Court of the Netherlands
As the highest court of law in the land, the Supreme Court passes researched and reasoned judgements on everyday affairs in civil society. It is a public institution that supports a state based on justice and integrity, and is at the same time an organisation that operates in retreat in order to formulate well-grounded rulings and findings. The dualities of the Supreme Court on several levels, the real-world yet also fragile aspects, the public yet also closed character – these were used as a source of inspiration for the design.
A majestic gateway is formed by the plane trees of the royal route and the row of six bronze statues of legal scholars. This space flows over into the entrance hall of the building. The inviting hall and its courtrooms seem to have been chiselled from a solid block of stone. It serves as a sturdy base for a superstructure of glass panels and slender steel latticework. Distinguished and functional, heavy and light, sturdy and refined – all exist alongside routine business, on which rulings are passed with great clarity of mind. With light wells over centrally located atriums, the interior achieves the elegance of an urban palace, appropriate to the status of the Supreme Court.

KAAN_Supreme Court of the Netherlands

 

International Criminal Court
The ICC is not just a building or a headquarter, in every aspect it has integrated the security that is required of one of the most secured buildings in the world, either built into the landscape or within the building itself. It is a statement of an independent architecture, open-minded and accessible.
The new permanent premises appear as a sculptural abstraction, a composition of six volumes, firmly anchored to the site and rising from the surrounding dune landscape. The tallest of the volumes is the Court Tower that rises up as a green element. The architectural idea is to continue the cultivated parterre gardens from the ground floor level, as a cladding on the Court Tower. Historically, gardens have always existed as part of all cultures and all religions. With flowers and plants from each of the regional groups of states, the parterre garden rises up as a symbol of unity, regardless of nationality and culture. The remaining volumes, the office towers, are draped in a tapestry grid, almost like embroidery.

SHL_International Criminal Court

25/03 2016

The Learn’d at Novi Fokus Niš

KAAN Architecten’s short film about the Education Center Erasmus MC directed by Victor Vroegindeweij will be screened in Niš (Serbia) during the International Architecture Film Festival “Novi Fokus Niš” on April 1-2, 2016.

Novi Fokus Niš is founded by Sanja Cvetković and Djordje Jović of Biro4321, a non-profit organization, established by two architecture students, determined to change and challenge architectural education, in Niš, Serbia.

 

11/11 2015

Dikkie Scipio jury member of De Meester

The new promotion prize debuts on Wednesday November 18, 2015 at Het Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam.

The Fleur Groenendijk Foundation created “De Meester” prize, together with Dikkie Scipio as initiator, in collaboration with the Rotterdamse Academie van Bouwkunst aiming to promote the work of young Dutch architects and urban planners.

Dikkie Scipio is part of the jury evaluating the works in a live and dynamic discussion, together with Han van den Born (KCAP), Mirjana Milanovic (Senior advisor Dienst Ruimtelijke Orde Amsterdam), Paul van der Laar (director Museum Rotterdam; prof. Urban History Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam) and Michiel van Raaij (editor in chief Architectenweb.nl).

Candidates for the 5.000 euro promotional prize are: Stephan Boon with Getijdenperspectief, Femke Feenstra with Huis voor alle zinnen, Katarzyna Nowak with Art in Context and Ruben Sannen with Tanah Antara.

 

De Avond van de Meester 2015 at Het Nieuwe Instituut, Rotterdam

Wednesday November 18, 2015 – h 19.30 / 23.00 – sign up for free entrance

06/10 2015

The Learn’d in New York, Rotterdam and Milan

The short film “The Learn’d” shot at the Education Center Erasmus MC will be screened in several architecture film festivals around the world during the whole month of October.

First appointment is with the New York “Short Films Walk”, preview of the Architecture and Design Film Festival; followed two days later by the AFFR Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam and lastly by the Milanese Design Film Festival.

Oct. 7 – h 18.00: Short Films Walk in SoHo (New York)

Oct. 9 – h 13.30: AFFR at Lantaren Vester (Rotterdam)

Oct. 16 – h 15.00: Milano Design Film Festival at Anteo spazioCinema (Milan)

01/06 2015

First stone ceremony for ISMO

On Wednesday June 3rd, 2015 will be held the first stone laying ceremony of the Institut des Sciences Moléculaire d’Orsay in Paris.

The building is part of the new development of Paris-Saclay campus in Orsay, Paris; and under construction since July 2014.

The event will take place from 2.00pm at the Campus de la Faculté des Sciences d’Orsay, Bât. 520 in rue André Rivière at the presence of Mr. Bourguignon – director of the Institut des Sciences Moléculaire d’Orsay, Mr. Bittuon – president of Université Paris-Sud, Mr. Ros – Orsay mayor, Mr. Veltz – president/general director of Établissement Paris-Saclay, Mrs. Castelnot – Palaiseau deputy prefect.

After the ceremony, from 2.30pm the building will be presented at the Amphitheatre Blandin du LPS with an short discourse by Kees Kaan.

21/05 2015

Ground breaking for CMA in Lille

KAAN Architecten, together with PRANLAS-DESCOURS Architect & Associates, officially announces the start of construction of the Cité de Métiers et de l’Artisanat (CMA) in Lille, the winning project of an international competition held in 2007.

The Cité de Métiers et de l’Artisanat is located at the edge of the old city fortification of Lille, in correspondence of one arterial road defining the city center and the new suburban areas. The building is surrounded by a distinctive landscape featuring infrastructure of rail and motorway, embankments, lush greenery with diverse botanical species and artificial topography, in a mix of landscape and horizontality.

The design developed in collaboration with PRANLAS-DESCOURS Architect & Associates (Paris, France), is based on the site’s history and geography and merges sustainability, landscape, architecture and interior design. The monolithic look of the building results from emphasizing horizontality and highlighting the site on two levels: the landscape and the surrounding neighborhood.

The multipurpose building has three main floors with various program: a public ground floor, an educational first floor and a second floor with office spaces enclosing the auditorium at the core of the building. The different areas are separated one from the other by two independent level entrances, by an articulated program division and a clear circulation system giving shape to a solid and simultaneously compartmentalized building.

The auditorium can be used in various ways as well as the magnificent main lobby. Modern and robust materials have been used, while the spaces have been designed with special attention to the human scale. CMA’s transparency and integration of green patios drive visitors through the building thanks to an easy and natural way-finding.

On Friday May 22nd, 2015 from 2.30pm in Rue Abélard (Lille, France) the first stone laying ceremony will be held together with the presentation of the project in the presence of the Ministre du Travail, de l’Emploi et du Dialogue social, M.François Rebsamen, the Président de la Chambre de Métiers et de l’Artisanat du Nord-Pas-de-Calais, M.Alain Griset and the architects Kees Kaan and Jean-Pierre Pranlas-Descours.

The building will be delivered in March 2017.

 

FACTUAL INFORMATION

project name: Cité de Métiers et de l’Artisanat

location: Rue Abélard, Rue du Fouborg d’Arras, Lille, France

client: Chambre de Métiers et de L’Artisanat du Nord-Pas-de-Calais

program: administrative offices, auditorium, main lobby, exhibition spaces, laboratories, teaching rooms, library, educational and study areas, restaurant and parking

architect: KAAN Architecten, in collaboration with PRANLAS-DESCOURS Architect & Associates (Paris, France)

project team KAAN Architecten: Christophe Banderier, Sebastian van Damme, Paolo Faleschini, Raluca Firicel, Michael Geensen, Renata Gilio, Kees Kaan, Maud Minault, Hannes Ochmann, Vincent Panhuysen, Ismael Planelles, Ana Rivero, Dikkie Scipio

project team PDAA: Jean-Pierre Pranlas-Descours, Gustav Ducloz, Maryléne Gallon, Brieuc Le Coz, Anne Roullet

landscape: TN+ Paysagistes (Paris, France)

design: 2007 (competition)

delivery: 2017

GFA: 17.300 sqm

client assistant: Pascal Boulanger Réalisations (Lille, France)

SPS: Elyfec (Villeneuve D’Asqu, France)

bureau de contrôle: Dekra Construction (Lesquin, France)

BET structures: EVP Ingénierie (Paris, France)

BET economy: Martin Guiheneuf Ingénierie (Paris, France)

BET VRD: URBATEC (Bussy Saint Georges, France)

OPC: SARL Francis Klein (Salbris, France)

 

For more information, please contact KAAN press (Maria Azzurra Rossi): press@kaanarchitecten.com.

26/11 2014

Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d’Orsay exhibited in Paris for “Paris-Saclay. Le Futur en Chantier(s)”

The project Institut des Sciences Moléculaires d’Orsay will be part of the exhibition “Paris-Saclay. Le Futur en Chantier(s)” from November 28th to December 20th 2014 at the Maison de l’architecture en Ile-de-France in Paris.

The Paris-Saclay exhibition will present the progress of the project in all its scientific, economic and urban sides, and where the operational phase of urban campus is engaged.

Models, projections, panels and timeline will be organized next to round table discussions, conferences and a PechaKucha of about thirty architects, in which ISMO will be introduced by KAAN Architecten on the 29th of November from 14h30 until 20h.

An exhibition under the high patronage of Madame Geneviève Fioraso, Secretary of State for Higher Education and Research, in partnership with the University Paris-Saclay, the Maison de l’Architecture en Ile-de-France and the Order of Architects of Ile-de-France.

“Paris-Saclay. Le Futur en Chantier(s)”
Maison de l’architecture en Ile-de-France, Paris
Exhibition: November 28th to December 20th, 2014
Round tables and conferences: 28, 29 and 30th of November 2014

17/10 2014

District Water Board Brabantse Delta on show at the Foundation pour l’Architecture, Brussels

The project for the District Water Board on the Bouvigne Estate in Breda has been nominated, within 134 projects, for the triennial Philippe Rotthier Prize and will be on show in Brussels at the Foundation pour l’Architecture, from October 18th till November 23rd, 2014, before being presented in other cities. 

The tenth edition theme was focused on the relationship of architecture with natural and urban landscapes. The District Water Board project fulfilled the requirements thanks to both renovation and newly built architecture and to the importance given to the complex of the estate with its historical garden and the new walnut production garden.

Philippe Rotthier Prize 2014 exhibition
Foundation pour l’Architecture – CIVA (Brussels, Belgium)
October 18th, 2014 – November 23rd, 2014

18/09 2014

City Hall Park on show for “The City as a Vision” exhibition at Frac Centre

The project for the City Hall Park of São Bernardo do Campo municipality in São Paolo (Brazil), designed together with DOMAIN, will be part of the new exhibition “The City as a Vision” opening tomorrow, on September 19th, 2014 at the Frac Centre – Les Turbulences in Orléans (France).

The show pays tribute to historian and critic Michel Ragon who, in his books Où vivrons-nous demain? [Where will we live tomorrow?] (1963) and Prospective et Futurologie [Forecasting and Futurology] (1978), gave an introduction to the issues of experimental architecture – a field that lies at the heart of the Frac Centre’s collection.
The exhibition will be divided in two sections: an historical one, and a prospective one featuring the City Hall Park. Here a little cut of how the curators (Marie-Ange Brayer, Emmanuelle Chiappone-Pirou and Aurélien Vernant) presents the prospective section: “The projects presented all answer the necessity to rethink new uses for cities, to generate resources and connect the micro-scale of the individual with the macro-scale of the expanding urban territory”.

The City as a Vision: tribute to Michel Ragon
Frac Centre – Les Turbulences (Orléans, France)
September 19th, 2014 – February 22nd, 2015

24/06 2014

Kees Kaan at the Strelka Institute (Summer Programme 2014)

On Monday June 30th, 2014 Kees Kaan will take part in the first event of “Rethinking Europe – European experience in the city development” series, dedicated to Amsterdam development case at the Strelka Institute for Media, Architecture and Design in Moscow.

Together with Kees Kaan, participants to the discussion are: Giovanna Carnevali (director Fundació Mies van der Rohe, Barcelona), Gus Tielens (Korth Tielens Architecten, Amsterdam), Jaap Gräber (PLAN, Amsterdam), Sabine Lebesque (Development Corporation of the City of Amsterdam).

The discussion is part of a two-day workshop involving the participant architects and city developers to explore a specific case in Moscow – the area situated in Moscow city center, directly opposite Zaryadie area, between Raushskaya and Sadovnicheskaya embankments.

The series “Rethinking Europe – European experience in the city development” is part of the summer program of the institute and realized in partnership with the Fundació Mies van der Rohe.

 

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