As part of the Erasmus program, “Crafting the Façade,” the task was to design a brick institute with accompanying facilities, including offices, a showroom, a test center, a workshop, and an auditorium. The institute is situated on the IJ waterfront in Amsterdam, next to the future bicycle bridge over the IJ.

Due to the diversity of spaces and its location relative to the IJ and the bridge, a logical division of spaces emerged: large spaces clustered at the front with a ring of concentrated office spaces at the back.

In addition to being a functional semi-public building, the task calls for a brick statement that befits a brick institute. A play of tectonics and dressing unfolds on the building’s façade. The brick façade unfurls over the brick columns.

Despite the context of a development area, the design is influenced by the two dominant elements: the IJ and the bridge, and the design is guided by the program and the specified Program of Requirements (PVE).