Traditional architecture is certainly appealing, but that's no reason to revert to archaic styles when building a new edifice, and the EENWERK art space shows the benefit of pushing creativity forward rather than staying rooted in the past. The new building connects two 20th century Dutch townhouses, but it looks completely modern and distinct from both of them, providing a visually interesting juxtaposition.
The EENWERK art space is designed to show off just one art installation at a time ("een werk" means "one work" in Dutch). According to Barend Koolhaas, the architect behind the project, the focus on a solitary exhibit "[invites] both maker and spectator to concentrate on content and form." The metaphor extends to the building as a whole, as it stands in a singular manner, completely apart from -- and yet imbricated in -- the buildings that surround it.
Modernized Glass Connection Halls
The EENWERK Art Space Connects Two 20th Century Houses
Trend Themes
1. Modernized Architecture - Incorporating contemporary designs and styles into new buildings, creating visually interesting structures.
2. Singular Exhibit Spaces - Designing spaces that focus on showcasing one art installation at a time, encouraging deeper engagement and concentration on content and form.
3. Visual Juxtaposition - Creating contrast between modern buildings and surrounding traditional architecture, offering visually interesting and engaging experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Construction - Opportunity to explore innovative design approaches and create modernized structures that blend seamlessly with their surroundings.
2. Art Exhibition Spaces - Opportunity to design unique exhibit spaces that prioritize the display of one art installation at a time, enhancing the viewer's experience and appreciation of the artwork.
3. Urban Planning and Development - Opportunity to create urban landscapes that incorporate both modern and traditional architecture, offering dynamic visual contrasts and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the city or town.