OMA updates the Kunsthal. Opening February 01
30/01/2014.
[VIDEO]Shoes. [Rotterdam] The Netherlands
metalocus, JOSÉ JUAN BARBA
metalocus, JOSÉ JUAN BARBA
One of the best projects by Rem Koolhaas, the Kunsthal in Rotterdam, designed by OMA in 1992, reopens this month after an extensive renovation.
Logo. Kunsthal in Rotterdam.
Kunsthal Rotterdam by OMA. Photography © OMA / Hans Werlemann.
Design for Museumpark, by OMA, 1992.
23 February to 2 June 2013. Shady Moments. Schilte & Portielje. Courtesy of Kunsthal Rotterdam.
Kunsthal Rotterdam by OMA.
Reopening Kunsthal Rotterdam by Rem Koolhaas, opened on 1992.
After more than 20 years of intense use, OMA, the city of Rotterdam and the Kunsthal have completed their comprehensive plan to upgrade the performance of the building in terms of energy, security, program and circulation.
On Saturday 1 February 2014, the Kunsthal Rotterdam welcomes everyone from 2pm in its renovated building.
The glass facades and roof are now fitted with high performance insulation materials. In combination with energy efficient lighting, a new state-of-the-art climate system and the subdivision of the public spaces, future energy consumption will reduce considerably. Security and building operations have been improved. A second entrance has been added, making it possible to access the auditorium and exhibition spaces independently. The reception, restaurant and museum shop are now integrated into the route of the building. These transformations will enable the Kunsthal to evolve with the growing need for economic independence of cultural institutions.
Despite these considerable changes, the original design concept has been preserved and often reinforced. Ellen van Loon: "The renovation demonstrates the possibility of updating the building to meet contemporary requirements, whilst retaining the original concept of an 'exhibition machine'."
The project was led by OMA partner Ellen van Loon, and OMA associates Michel van de Kar and Alex de Jong.
More information
OMA. Office for Metropolitan Architecture
Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA) is a leading international partnership practising architecture, urbanism, and cultural analysis. OMA's buildings and masterplans around the world insist on intelligent forms while inventing new possibilities for content and everyday use. OMA is led by eight partners – Rem Koolhaas, Reinier de Graaf, Ellen van Loon, Shohei Shigematsu, Iyad Alsaka, Chris van Duijn, Jason Long, and Managing Partner-Architect David Gianotten – and maintains offices in Rotterdam, New York, Hong Kong, Doha, and Australia.
OMA-designed buildings currently under construction are the renovation of Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe) in Berlin, The Factory in Manchester, Hangzhou Prism, the CMG Times Center in Shenzhen and the Simone Veil Bridge in Bordeaux.
OMA’s completed projects include Taipei Performing Arts Centre (2022), Norra Tornen in Stockholm (2020), Axel Springer Campus in Berlin (2020), MEETT Toulouse Exhibition and Convention Centre (2020), Galleria in Gwanggyo (2020), nhow RAI Hotel in Amsterdam (2020), a new building for Brighton College (2020), and Potato Head Studios in Bali (2020). Earlier buildings include Fondazione Prada in Milan (2018), Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow (2015), Fondazione Prada in Milan (2015); G-Star Headquarters in Amsterdam (2014); Shenzhen Stock Exchange (2013); De Rotterdam (2013), CCTV Headquarters in Beijing (2012), New Court, the headquarters for Rothschild Bank in London (2011); Milstein Hall at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York (2011); and Maggie's Centre, a cancer care centre in Glasgow (2011). Earlier buildings include Casa da Música in Porto (2005), Seattle Central Library (2004), and Netherlands Embassy in Berlin (2003).
