Revitalizing a 500-Year-Old Landmark
The Besiendershuis in Nijmegen, a historic toll house dating back to 1525, has become a vibrant hub for artists, writers, and musicians. To celebrate its 500th anniversary, Studio Frank Havermans introduced two striking interventions: The Hanging Chamber and The Slender House. These bold timber structures extend cultural activities beyond the building’s medieval Gothic facade.
An Architectural Dialogue
Positioned along the east and west facades, these structures frame the Besiendershuis while seamlessly integrating historical and contemporary design. The installations redefine the building’s interaction with modern urban spaces, making artistic production and public engagement more visible and accessible.
The Slender House: Reviving Historical Traces
The Slender House stands where a former structure once adjoined the Besiendershuis. Elevated above the medieval garden wall, it offers a temporary workspace for artists and writers, creating a dialogue between past and present architectural footprints. With views of the River Waal, it invites creative exploration in an evocative setting.
These thoughtful architectural interventions resonate with creative transformations worldwide, seen in works like a spiraling timber and steel kindergarten in Munich that revitalizes educational spaces.
The Hanging Chamber: A Public Podium
Against the house’s east facade, The Hanging Chamber resonates with historical nuances, referencing two preserved hanging chambers within the building. Designed as an urban street podium, it forms a dynamic stage for cultural performances in a narrow, multi-level area usually reserved for parking.
Innovative Design and Execution
While these wooden structures might appear as scaffolding from afar, their independent, purpose-built design underscores their architectural significance. Constructed from plywood, their structural integrity and design reference the city’s medieval wooden architectures, echoing the historical essence of Nijmegen.
Bridging History and Modernity
The installations serve as a canvas for cultural events, expanding the Besiendershuis’s relevance within the cityscape. Rather than mimicking historical elements, they offer contrast, blending seamlessly with the old while enhancing its legacy with a fresh, contemporary twist. These interventions ensure the Besiendershuis remains a lively cultural landmark for years to come.
Project Details
- Designers: Studio Frank Havermans | @studio.frank.havermans
- Location: Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Curators: Jan-Wieger van den Berg, Jade Kerste
- Supporters: Gemeente Nijmegen, The Mondrian Fund, among others
Exploring integrated architectural designs further, BIG’s EVE Music Hall in Croatia demonstrates innovative use of materials to create stunning theatrical spaces.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What are the new structures added to the Besiendershuis?
The new structures added to the Besiendershuis are The Hanging Chamber and The Slender House. These timber structures extend cultural activities beyond the building’s medieval Gothic facade.
What purpose does The Slender House serve?
The Slender House offers a temporary workspace for artists and writers, creating a dialogue between past and present architectural footprints. It stands where a former structure once adjoined the Besiendershuis and provides views of the River Waal, inviting creative exploration.
How does The Hanging Chamber engage with the public?
The Hanging Chamber is designed as an urban street podium, forming a dynamic stage for cultural performances. It is located against the house’s east facade, resonating with historical nuances and providing a unique performance area in a space usually reserved for parking.