Gerrit Rietveld
Academy, Amsterdam
The Rietveld Academy of Art has been
expanded with a studio building of nine storeys including the basement. Its
north facade, which overlooks the old building, is fully transparent so that
the studios are flooded with light. By contrast, the south side facing the
street is opaque from the first storey upwards, stressing the openness of
Rietveld's own building beyond. All facades, sides included, are clad with
16,000 square tiles in pressed Czech glass specially produced for the new wing.
The audiovisual rooms assemble along the mute south side, with the exhibition
area and other high-profile spaces occupying the glazed ground floor. The
interior is a neutral grey and white except for the stairs which sport the
Rietveld colours red, blue and yellow.
Client
Gerrit Rietveld Academie
Architect
Benthem
Crouwel Architekten
Gross
floor area
6500
m²
Start
design
2001
Completion
2004
