Jo Coenen, 1993
Museumpark 25
Rotterdam

This striking building (once described as 'a Versaille to Dutch Architecture') can be found in Rotterdam. It is home to the Netherlands Architecture Institute and designed by architect Jo Coenen. The design houses the institute's key functions (archive, exhibitions and staff) in three distinct volumes. Each volume has its own architectural character and relationship with the surroundings.

From a design perspective, the building was clearly incorporated into the existing structures surrounding it. The quiet park is shielded from the busy street by the curved and closed archive building. The museum can be entered from an arcade, which is lit at night by a light sculpture from Peter Struycken. The second entrance is one on the side of the Museumpark and can be reached by crossing a narrow bridge.

The two entrances are linked to the lobby, which becomes part of the path to the Museumpark. On one side of the park a small lake in which you can find a sculpture by Auke de Vries surrounds the museum.

Different materials were used for the facades of each part of the building. For example, the outside of the main building is made of glass, whereas the archive building is covered with steel plates.