Benthem Crouwel Architects and Snøhetta have teamed up to complete a hybrid civic complex in the Netherlands, recently revealing its gently sloping design. The upcoming House of Culture and Governance in Delfzijl will bring together a theater, library, and town hall under one roof. Its form is conceived to respond directly to its urban and cultural context. A soft curve along the facade embraces the public square, while the structure gently tapers into the existing street pattern on the opposite side. The roofline also traces a rhythmic silhouette against the sky, undulating ‘like a piece of music,’ says Saartje van der Made, architect and partner at Benthem Crouwel.

The aim, she notes, is to create a building that feels ‘rooted in the landscape and community of Eemsdelta.’ In line with this, the project is the result of a fast-paced but deeply participatory design process, taking into consideration input from future users, local residents, council members, and youth groups.

all images courtesy of Benthem Crouwel Architects and Snøhetta

Snøhetta & Benthem Crouwel Architects consider local identity

The teams at Snøhetta (see more here) and Benthem Crouwel Architects (see more here) looked closely at Delfzijl’s historical and urban fabric when shaping the building’s massing and material expression. The final design aims to fit seamlessly into its surroundings while also standing out as a contemporary civic landmark. The surrounding area will also be significantly upgraded as part of the project, continuing the municipality’s recent efforts to revitalize the urban fabric, extending from the city beach and boulevard to Damsterkade and Vennenplein.

The House of Culture and Governance is intended to function as a civic and social hub, designed with and for the community. This focus was integral to its identity, as its program has evolved from an initial plan for a theater and library into a multifunctional facility where people can meet, learn, and engage with culture and government. Notably, the heart of the building will be a shared central space, where the library is prominently located and conceived as an open and accessible environment. While the first phase of the design has been completed, the City Council of Eemsdelta is expected to finalize the structural design by October 2025.

a soft curve embraces the public square, while the structure gently tapers into the street pattern on the other side

the roofline also traces a rhythmic silhouette against the sky, undulating ‘like a piece of music,’

project info:

name: House of Culture and Governance
architect: Snøhetta | @snohetta, Benthem Crouwel Architects | @benthemcrouwelarchitects
location: Molenbergplein, Eemsdelta region, the Netherlands

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The historic Arnhem Museum in the Netherlands receives a contemporary extension by Benthem Crouwel Architects, defined by its shimmering, iridescent tile facade. The project, created together with Dutch ceramics manufacturer Koninklijke Tichelaar, opens to the public this Friday, May 13th, 2022 and comprises the new extension along with the restoration of the heritage building and its characteristic historic dome.

The main focus of the intervention is the new wing, which protrudes 15 meters over the glacier-formed ‘moraine’ so that visitors inside seem to float above the trees. The museum will celebrate its opening with three exhibitions: From Left to Right, At Least Lasts Until, and Open.

images © Jannes Linders

a facade of 82,000 hand-crafted tiles

Benthem Crouwel Architects (see more here) transforms the Arnhem Museum into a contemporary space that is clearly organized, accessible and connects the city with nature and art. Architect and partner Saartje van der Made: ‘We were immediately captivated by the beautiful high location. The view is a huge plus, so we wanted to go even higher with the new building to accentuate that.’

Along with the floating wing that cantilevers far above the moraine and a public wide staircase that connects it to the renovated sculpture garden, the project shines with its glimmering facade. The new wing is tiled with 82,000 unique, hand-crafted tiles. The special color gradient of the tiles on the facade — from earthy tones on the shore to ice blue on the side towards the river — symbolizes the location of the museum on the moraine formed by a glacier.

The combination of these natural colors with the shape ensures that the building flows smoothly into the surrounding nature. Architect and partner Joost Vos: ‘The exterior had to be subtle and surprising, so that the building becomes part of the environment and at the same time arouses curiosity. The facade actually gets more and more interesting as you get closer. All tiles are unique, as if they are all small works of art, very fitting for this special place and its function as a museum.’

Benthem Crouwel Architects began its transformation of the Arnhem Museum in 2017. With the expansion of the new building, more than 1,100 square meters of exhibition and public space has been realized on top of the 1,350 square meters in the monument. The museum now has 1,935 square meters of state-of-the-art exhibition spaces. The spacious new building has five new exhibition halls and two public spaces, which are interconnected, with a self-evident routing.

The monumental dome of Cornelis Outshoorn from 1873, originally a gentlemen’s club, has regained its original, spatial character and is the heart of the museum. The entrance, shop and café are housed in this central meeting place. A freely accessible activity space has been created on the top floor of the dome, where a continuous program is offered by the museum. From now on, the dome also provides access to the completely renovated sculpture garden. This ‘green outdoor room’ is freely accessible.

project info:

project title: Arnhem Museum Extension

architecture: Benthem Crouwel Architects | @benthemcrouwelarchitects

location: Arnhem, Netherlands

project team: Joost Vos, Saartje van der Made, Mels Crouwel, Maurice Korenblik, Willem Jan van der Gugten, Nihal Kol, Volker Krenz, Jerome Latteux, Femke Tophoven, Nico de Waard, Marcel Wassenaar

landscape architecture: Karres + Brands

interior architecture: Studio Modijefsky

construction: Pieters Bouwtechniek Delft

installation advisor: Nelissen Ingenieursbureau

contractor: Rock Construction, aalten
installer: Alferink Installatietechniek
tiles supplier: Koninklijke Tichelaar

completion: May 2022

photography: Jannes Linders

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benthem crouwel architects and west 8 formed monumental arches, as part of the frontage, welcoming the travelers, while unobstructed views open up towards the city. furthermore, tree-lined highways join the station with the center and the cathedral with the svratka river park. passengers are guided through the central hall, articulated by the rhythm of voids for access to the platforms, towards a pedestrian promenade which gradually connects the station, waterfront park and new urban development to the city fabric.

the proposal emphasizes the city’s historical character, combining it with a modern hub and a high-quality public space. the project takes shape as a complete solution for a multimodal transport hub including 14 platforms for highspeed and local trains, tram- and city buses, a regional bus station, a metro station, a bicycle and car parking. furthermore, the design consists of passenger services, facilities and owns spacious retail and food and beverage areas. meanwhile, the station includes an urban development with offices, housing, hotel and high-quality public space including a waterfront park and urban promenade.

the design integrates the cultural heritage of brno with the implementation of a public lit-well hall, a space between the city and train platform. the location is characterized by two diagonally positioned towers that situate the new station’s position within the city. the central space — with its access to the train platforms — is connected to the two station halls on either end of the corridor. functioning as two, covered, public squares, they link to metro, bus, parking, retail, and passenger services. these halls serve as natural wayfinding, while passengers are able to easily orientate themselves via sightlines within the station.

an undulated convex glass canopy tops the train platforms and bus station protecting the passengers from rain and harsh sunlight while collecting solar energy to generate an eco-friendly station. benthem crouwel architects and west 8 sought to improve the carbon footprint of the station design; they utilized bio-based materials such as cross-laminated timber to complete the roofing structures, notably reduced the length of the ramps, and decreased the use of reinforced concrete. the project also incorporates nature-based rainwater management, the use of filtered daylight, natural ventilation, and low-temperature floor heating and cooling based on a reversible heat pump connected to a geothermal source.

project info:

architects: benthem crouwel architects  and west 8

building cost and solar energy concept: arcadis

structural engineering: SID studio

traffic consultancy: goudappel

water management: RHDHV

visualisations: play-time

construction budget: 1,8 billion euros

expected completion: between 2032 and 2035

location: brno, czech republic

client: city of brno, czech railway administration

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all images by jannes linders

the building is characterized by a simple, rectangular shape contrasted by two remarkable helix-shaped towers. one tower gives access to the car park moving up, while the other one is used by cars leaving the building going down. by separating the traffic flows, benthem crouwel created fast and efficient parking for the busy district. constructed from pre-fab concrete elements, the towers also form the driveways to enter or leave the parking floors. the concrete helix-shaped towers are highly visible from the ring road A10, even more so at night when blue LED lights emphasize the elegant structures.

the building is situated on the ring road A10 in zuidas, amsterdam’s central business district

the first floor of the car park is characterized by high ceilings, creating a large and spacious hall that can be used as an extra space for conventions and exhibitions. the hall measures about 2,800 square meters and has as few columns as possible, creating a dynamic and flexible space. an extension hall can be used independently for various events, but can also be connected — using sliding doors — to the main exhibition halls of the RAI. the uppermost parking level, the roof of the building, can also host a range of events.

the car park can fit up to 1,000 cars

the distinct shape of the towers is visible from the A10 ring road in amsterdam

the helix towers provide coordinated circulation for incoming and outgoing cars

the first floor acts as a multi-functional parking space

the uppermost parking level, the roof of the building, can also host a range of events.

the helix towers are built from pre-fab concrete

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project info:

architects: benthem crouwel
location: ringweg zuid, amsterdam, the netherlands
area: 28,265 square meters
project year: 2016
manufacturers: colt international
photography: jannes linders

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the equinix complex processes about 38 percent of all dutch data traffic
all images © jannes linders

the tower, which opened in  summer 2017, is linked to its neighboring buildings by a series of buildings. the high-rise building is made of triangular aluminum profiles, which are black on one side and silver on the other. the forms become more narrow at the top — an optical illusion that makes the tower look slimmer.

the campus’ first data center opened in 2012

the building, referred to as AM4, generates larger amounts of heat that is then used to warm neighboring buildings. ‘on the one hand, you see that we’re increasingly storing data in the cloud; currently, there is a lot of demand of new data centers’, describes benthem crouwel. ‘on the other hand, there is continuous miniaturization, which results in less storage space. we have also taken into account that when less server space is needed, the façades can easily be replaced, and the building can be easily transformed into a laboratory, office and/or apartments.’

the buildings were designed to be aesthetically pleasing, even if it not for public use

the buildings are linked by bridges

the netherlands was the first european country to be connected to the internet

data and internet processing has continued to be a hub for european technology

the buildings fit aesthetically into their surroundings

the complex does away with the barbed wired fence aesthetic for a more friendly alternative

security measures are employed throughout the building, but don’t take away from the design

the high-rise building is made of triangular aluminum profiles

visitors walks over a bright red bridge which marks the passage to a strictly secured area

the façade gives viewers the optical illusion that makes the tower look slimmer

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benthem crouwel has completed a much-needed cycle and pedestrian tunnel at amsterdam central station, connecting the city to the waters of the IJ-river. used by some 15,000 commuters daily, ‘cuyperspassage’ has been a long-awaited edition to the urban fabric, finally linking two otherwise impassable areas in a direct line.

the pedestrian level is raised above the cycleway, allowing walkers to feel safe

the tunnel — which is 110 meters long, ten meters wide and three meters high — forms a clear division between the two modes of travel used, distinguished by height, color and material. while the pedestrian level is raised above the cycleway, allowing walkers to feel safe and removed from the busy bike traffic, riders enjoy a spacious, rapid through route, where LED lights illuminate the edge of the path. areas for foot traffic are accompanied by a smooth finish of handmade glazed ceramic tiles, whereas bike lanes have a rougher finish of black, sound-absorbing asphalt and steel gratings. 

a graphic tableau by amsterdam-based designer irma boom accompanies the footpath 

along the wall of one side of the tunnel is a graphic tableau by dutch designer irma boom. made up of nearly 80,000 delft blue tiles, the composition references a restored work by tile painter cornelis boumeester, whose panel depicting the warship rotterdam and the herring fleet is in the collection of the rijksmuseum, amsterdam. irma boom replaced the original crest on the stern with the amsterdam coat of arms, and added large and small merchant vessels, herring busses, churning waves, and seagulls.

the graphic panel depicts large and small vessels, herring busses, churning waves, and seagulls

as cyclists and pedestrians make their way through ‘cuyperspassage’, the tableau slowly fades away towards the IJ-river, before building up again in an abstract gradient of light to dark blue. the transition from drawn lines to pixels visualizes the journey from the historic district to ‘new amsterdam’, while simultaneously referencing a movement from old to new artistic styles.

the tunnel is clad with nearly 80,000 delft blue tiles

ceramic company royal tichelaar makkum spent five years crafting the 46,000 wall tiles for the tableau and 33,000 for the floor, made in the traditional dutch tile size of 13 x 13 cm. overall, the composition recalls historic kitchens in local canal houses that give the impression of an urban-scale room, making the tunnel feel like a safe and familiar place.

a clear division between the two modes of travel is distinguished by height, color and material

as commuters journey through ‘cuyperspassage’, the tableau slowly changes into an abstract composition 

the transition from drawn lines to pixels visualizes the journey from the historic district to ‘new amsterdam’

overall, the scheme relays the impression of an urban-scale room

the ceramic company spent five years crafting 80,000 tiles for the project 

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in amsterdam’s central bus station, local practice benthem crouwel architects has completed a striking white structure specifically designed for drivers using the terminal. the two storey building includes storage space, a technical area and toilets at ground level, with a workspace, pantry and canteen positioned at the upper floor, with views of the bus platform, the river IJ, and the amsterdam north district.

the striking white structure is specifically designed for drivers using the terminal

the position of the building, between two glass windscreens, largely determined the proportions of the volume. the limited footprint of the narrow, elongated structure has been optimized with a spiral staircase placed at one end of the design in order to free up available floor space. furthermore, the scheme’s round linear shape connects to the previously realized tubular supervisor building on the other side of the bus platform.

the enclosed position of the building largely determined the proportions of the volume

the design features a timber frame construction and is finished on both the inside and outside with polyurea, a highly durable two-component spray that can be applied seamlessly. by using traffic light red on the inside and white on the exterior, the project seeks to achieve a sleek, yet playful appearance that matches the red lettering of the roof of the bus station.

the two storey building includes storage space, a technical area and toilets at ground level

a workspace, pantry, and canteen are positioned at the upper floor

the interior offers views of the bus platform and the river IJ

the building is located inside amsterdam’s central bus station

the bright red interior glows at night

project info:

name: bus drivers building
client: munipicality of amsterdam
architect: benthem crouwel architects
location: bus station amsterdam centraal, the netherlands
gross floor area: 80 sqm
completed: october, 2015
project team: joost vos, saartje van der made, peter alberts
contractor: versteeg utrecht BV
structural engineering: versteeg utrecht BV
mechanical services: NIAG (nederlandse installatie advies groep)

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dutch practice benthem crouwel architects has completed ‘the grotiusgebouw’, an educational building that forms part of the radboud university nijmegen campus in the netherlands. forging a close relationship with its surroundings, the compact design contains five storeys within its relatively small footprint, featuring a sunken lower ground level and a recessed penthouse floor. the structure will be primarily used by the school’s faculty of law.

the compact design contains five storeys within its relatively small footprint
photo by jannes linders

students entering the building through the main entrance are led into a bright central atrium, with the library and lecture hall grouped around this internal courtyard. provision for car and bike parking is found underground, connected via a wide stairway.

entrance to the underground level containing car and bicycle parking
photo by jannes linders

study areas within the design are a mix of single rooms and communal areas, while offices are spread across the higher two layers of the plan. at the uppermost level, expansive views across the campus are provided, with transparent walls ensuring an open and transparent learning environment.

expansive views across the school’s campus are provided at the uppermost level
photo by jannes linders

externally, cantilevered canopies unify the structure’s appearance with glazing reflecting the school’s wooded surroundings. the upside of the white glossy awnings bring daylight into the building, simultaneously diverting glare.

transparent walls ensure an open and transparent learning environment
photo by jannes linders

students entering the building through the main entrance are led into a bright central atrium
photo by jannes linders

both the library and lecture hall are grouped around the internal courtyard
photos by jannes linders

photos by jannes linders

the large lecture hall can accommodate up to 500 students
photo by jannes linders

façade detailing
photo by jannes linders

the upside of the white glossy awnings bring daylight into the building
photo by jannes linders

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project info:

client: radboud universiteit nijmegen
architect: benthem crouwel architects
gross floor area: faculty building: 16,300 sqm, car and bike parking: 10,000 sqm
location: montessorilaan 10, 6525 hr nijmegen, the netherlands
lead architects: mels crouwel, joost vos
project team: mels crouwel, joost vos, joost van noort, okke van den broek, moon brader, frank deltrap, marcel wassenaar, nico de waard, cees zuidervaart, amir farokhian
contractor: bouwbedrijf berghege, oss and heerkens van bavel bouw, tilburg
structural engineering: bouwadviesbureau strackee
mechanical services / building physics: nelissen ingenieursbureau
interior architects: benthem crouwel architects and studio groen + schild
landscape architects: karres en brands landschapsarchitecten
composite façade: supplier: utec composites, alkmaar, anchoring awnings: schöck nederland bv, apeldoorn
project dates: start design: 2010, start construction: 2012, completed: 2014
photography: jannes linders

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located on the island of texel, in the wadden archipelago in the netherlands, benthem crouwel architects has designed a holiday home which opens onto a grassy landscape. taking the form of a traditional dutch ‘schapenboet’ shed, the structure is comprised of a typical wood frame, while the exterior surfaces have been sprayed with a rubber coating and wrapped in colored fishing nets. the tonal patterning on the exterior takes its arrangement directly from the internal spatial organization, when viewed in vertical cross section. the mesh envelope is composed of two layers: the first in either red, green, or blue, while the second is consistently black.

the building’s form references the traditional ‘schapenboet’ through its gable roof and bevel southwest face
photo by jannes linders

the residence is informed by the local ‘schapenboet,’ which are shed buildings typically found throughout the texel island landscape. they are used for storing hay and tools of sheep farmers, and stand alone in the expansive open meadows. the structures are characterized by their gable-roof form, with a beveled top section facing the southwest in response to wind direction. their main entry door is often located on the straight and sheltered northeast side of the layout.

benthem crouwel’s design deviates from the vernacular influence through its use of many windows on the envelope. the entirety of the south façade is transparent to provide a wide panorama of the surrounding fields, while upper level fenestration allows views to the dunes and sea in the distance.

the red, blue, and green patterning on the exterior takes its arrangement directly from the internal spatial organization
photo by jannes linders

the layout, finishes, and detailing are all treated simply, so as not to distract from the landscape context. on the ground floor, the kitchen and living area is enclosed by a large glass façade, with multiple doors opening onto a concrete patio wrapping the south corner. this configuration serves to merge the inside and outside environments. around the house’s central wall, the main bedroom, bathroom and closet are placed for increased privacy. additional sleeping rooms, work areas, and storage are situated on the upper level and basement.

the house deviates from the ‘schapenboet’ through its many windows providing expansive views to the landscape
photos by jannes linders

upper level fenestration allows views to the distant horizon line
photo by jannes linders

photo by jannes linders

a layer of black fishing net is overlaid above the colored mesh
photos by jannes linders

the main entry is provided on the north corner of the residence
photo by jannes linders

large glass faces blend the kitchen and living area with the outdoor environment
photo by jannes linders

a concrete patio wraps the south corner of the house
photo by jannes linders

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project info:

location: texel, the nethelands
architect: benthem crouwel architects
gross floor area: 135 sqm
dates: 2009 (design), 2010 (construction begins), 2014 (completion)
lead architect: mels crouwel
project team: mels crouwel, pia hanhijärvi, jos wesselman, volker krenz
photography: jannes linders

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dutch firm benthem crouwel architects has designed shopping mall ‘forum mittelrhein‘ and kulturbau ‘forum confluentes’ in koblenz as part of the redevelopment of the central square of koblenz. the project reframes the complexity of public space mall architecture with a network of buildings that effectively reroute several flows of pedestrian traffic. the central square acts as a nexus of public transport and a relevant junction of the urban fabric with a trapezoidal layout and the beginnings of a rounded architectural language. the forum mittelrhein mall totes a sequence of spacious entrances and a layered horizontal form that promotes the movement of the masses. mechanisms of circulation act like points of orientation, with escalators becoming sinuous lines in space. the building envelope is a varied palette of process and material; the top three floors of the mall boast a distinguishable wine leaf-shaped tectonic and industrial thermoforming helped create the entire facade–itself comprised of 2900 shaped aluminum modules, each painted three shades of green.

(left): kulturbau ‘forum confluentes’
(right): detail of kulturbau ‘forum confluentes’ facade
image © thomas eicken

 the mall is made up of over 2900 individual thermoformed vine leaf-shaped modules
image © jens kirchner

the central plaza is a composition of sinuous complementary forms
image © jens kirchner

image © jens kirchner

various flows of pedestrian traffic are seamlessly woven in the design
image © jens kirchner

image © jens kirchner

image © jens kirchner

image © thomas eicken

image © thomas eicken

image © thomas eicken

image © thomas eicken

image © thomas eicken

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project info:

client: ece projektmanagement gmbh & co. kg
architect: benthem crouwel architekten
gross floor area: 42,500 sqm (mall), 25,000 sqm (parking)
start design: 2007
start construction: 2010
completion: 2012
photography: jens kirchner

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