Netherlands American Cemetery Visitor Center

Location
Margraten, NL
Client
American Battle Monuments Commission
Initiated
2018
Completion
2023
Size
600 sqm
Project Team, Photos & Collaborators
Rita Alessio, Alessandro Arcangeli, Bas Barendse, Alice Colombo, Sebastian van Damme, Andrea Gentilini, Thomas Hagemeijer, Kees Kaan, Adam Kelly, Nicki van Loon, Edoardo Mancini, Alexis Oh, Vincent Panhuysen, Dikkie Scipio, Frane Stancic, Claudio Zampaglione

Photos
Simon Menges

Collaborators
Landscape: Karres + Brands; Civil design: Karres en Brands and Smits Rinsma; Fire control and acoustics: DGMR Raadgevende Ingenieurs B.V.; Structural design: Pieters Bouwtechniek; Mechanical and electrical design: HP Engineers; Cost advisors: B3 Bouwadviseurs; General contractor: Groep van Roey

The Visitor Center is part of the monumental ensemble of the Netherlands American Cemetery. Situated in the Limburg region in Margraten, it provides the visitors with a dedicated place for both learning and reflection, amid the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape.
With its entry plaza defined by rows of stone seating, the building claims its own space in the scenically choreographed setting, yet blends harmoniously into the greater whole. The plaza and pathway are recessed into the landscape and slope gently downward. The slow descent leads the visitor down to the protective canopy of the Visitor Center, which is made of aesthetic layered concrete.

Nestled within the frame of the fascia, the building is sunken into the sloping landscape, with the floor resting below ground level. Glass walls offer a unique panoramic perspective, allowing visitors to contemplate the typical surrounding topography and scattered trees from a lower vantage point.
At the centre of the structure, the walls form a 12 x 12 m square that supports the weight of the fascia. Inside this square is an auditorium, clad in paneling of warm American walnut, as well as service areas and restrooms, while the exterior walls of the square provide exhibition space.