KAAN Architecten

Happy to announce that KAAN Architecten will be renovating Amsterdam’s iconic building! We are collaborating with Being, IMd Raadgevende Ingenieurs, and on turning the striking landmark into a state-of-the-art office location with international allure.

The building is a prominent landmark and one of Amsterdam's first modernist anchor points. It was designed by the renowned Dutch architect Piet Zanstra for the life insurance company in the 1960s.

The renovation of combines character with . The ambition is to modernise and make the building more while respecting its history and unique features. The aim is to obtain an A++ energy label, and certification for the building. All sustainability measures contribute to a comfortable and healthy living environment.

Read more below!
https://kaanarchitecten.com/amsterdams-iconic-aurora-building-set-for-renovation/

Amsterdam’s iconic Aurora building set for renovation - KAAN Architecten The iconic Aurora building on the corner of the Stadhouderskade and the Overtoom is heading towards a sustainable future. We are collaborating with Being, IMd Raadgevende Ingenieurs, DGMR and SkaaL to develop the striking corner building into a state-of-the-art office location with international all...

We've been up to a lot in the last few months! Read about it in our where we rounded up all the latest completed projects, upcoming designs and award wins!
https://mailchi.mp/adbc68fc8b49/kaan_june2022-5221248

Want to stay up to date with our activities?
Subscribe to the newsletter here! https://kaanarchitecten.com/subscription/

Hey Rotterdam - the Architecture Month kicks off in a few days, and we're joining by launching an exciting new publication and opening our office to visitors! Scroll down for more!

On June 21, we will present , the first monograph on KAAN Architecten, recently published by . This is the first substantial publication offering a unique perspective on our major built works to date. Join us for a festive ceremony with a brief introduction by the authors and editors at , a unique and quirky venue in the heart of Rotterdam. Entry is free, but spaces are limited, so get your tickets here:
https://rotterdamarchitectuurmaand.nl/en/programme/item/book-launch-portraits-kaan-architecten/

We are also joining the Open Office Day initiative during the Rotterdam Architectuur Maand on Saturday, June 25. We will open the doors of our office space located in the former premises of De Nederlandsche Bank. Come learn about the history of the mid-century landmark as well as about our work and projects. Book your time slot at the link below!
https://rotterdamarchitectuurmaand.nl/en/programme/item/kaan-architecten/

AIR - Architectuur Instituut Rotterdam

From 17 May to 10 June we'll be participating at the L'Architecture Manifeste exhibition hosted by La Plateforme and Ecole nationale supérieure d'architecture de Bretagne

KAAN Architecten is among the ten offices and collectives based in France that have been commissioned for this which aims to highlight the conceptual practices of today’s architects.

The official opening will take place on Thursday, May 19, 19:30 at the in Rennes, while the exhibition remains on show until June 10.

More information here: https://kaanarchitecten.com/larchitecture-manifeste-exhibition-in-rennes/

The new Amsterdam Courthouse (Rechtbank Amsterdam) wins BNA Award in the category ‘Identity and Iconic Value’!

The award ceremony for the BNA, rewarding successful projects for society and their clients, took place at the Theatre Zuidplein in Rotterdam yesterday evening.

The jury, headed by Barbara Baarsma, recognized the social value of Rechtbank Amsterdam: “Strict, respectable - humane. This building places the administration of justice where it belongs, at the center of society, and provides guidance during compelling moments when life-changing decisions are being taken.” The jury was impressed by the powerful visual impact of the Courthouse “rather solemn from a distance, while very open and light once close by. The enormous scale of the building is additionally softened by the approachable sculpture on the front public square. The building ‘calls to order’ whilst embracing the visitors, with a generous natural stone square that invites you to step inside.”

We’d like to congratulate and thank Rijksvastgoedbedrijf, who trusted consortium NACH and allowed us to develop a successful PPP (Public-Private Partnership) for this project. Congratulations to the whole NACH consortium as well, involving Macquarie Capital, ABT bv, DVP, KAAN Architecten, Heijmans and Facilicom Group.

We finally would like to congratulate all the other winning offices: Bedaux de Brouwer Architecten, Olaf Gipser Architects, CULD Inbo vof and MVRDV!

You can read the full jury report here: tinyurl.com/ytescjp8
And access BNA Award press release here: tinyurl.com/bdhjmujz

Welcome to !

The two mid-rise towers and plinth designed by KAAN Architecten are now fully in use. The residential complex consists in 452 apartments and 33 townhouses spread across the structures, fulfilling the municipal plans of densification of this area. This high-quality residential complex is developed by AM Gebiedsontwikkeling and Amvest on a site adjacent to the former eponymous port in the centre of Rotterdam. De Zalmhaven mid-rises and plinth softly transition the heights of the urban structures while still allowing views toward De Nieuwe Maas river.

Read more about the project on our website: https://kaanarchitecten.com/project/de-zalmhaven/

Images by Sebastian van Damme

We are proud to announce our proposal for the renovation of the Museum Catharijneconvent in !

The assessment committee, led by Chief Government Architect Francesco Veenstra, unanimously opted for our vision in which the monument and the new architecture optimally reinforce each other.

Together with our collaborators at Origin Architecture & Engineering we're looking forward to further developing the vision for Utrecht’s historical landmark.

Find out more at the link below!
https://kaanarchitecten.com/kaan-architecten-to-renovate-museum-catharijneconvent-in-utrecht/

KAAN Architecten to renovate Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht - KAAN Architecten We are proud to announce our winning proposal for the renovation of the Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht. The assessment committee, led by Chief Government Architect Francesco Veenstra, unanimously opted for our vision in which the monument and the new architecture optimally reinforce each other.

We are delighted to introduce the short film , now freely available worldwide on the web platform.

Directed by Spirit of Space at the Crematorium Siesegem in Aalst, Belgium, explores the power of architectural imagery in visually manipulating space and time to create an idyllic perception.

This film marks the eleventh release for the series, consisting of 12 short movies directed by international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects by KAAN Architecten.

https://kaanarchitecten.com/static-released-on-minutes-platform/

‘Static’ released on MINUTES platform - KAAN Architecten We are delighted to introduce the short film 'Static', now freely available worldwide on the MINUTES web platform. This film marks the eleventh release for the series, consisting of 12 short movies directed by international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects by KAAN Architecten.

Are you our next colleague?

At our Rotterdam office, we are looking for an Executive Assistant with a background in art, architecture or design.

We'd love to fill the position as soon as possible so make sure to apply by March 01, 2022.

All the details are available at the link below!
https://kaanarchitecten.com/job/executive-assistant/

We are delighted to present our first project in Germany - the Geo- and Environmental Centre (GUZ) in Tubingen!

It is a state of the art facility for interdisciplinary research into solutions for environmental problems, located at the University of Tübingen. Its prominent location complements the campus' urban layout and underlines the Centre's scientific importance as it brings together the previously scattered departments.

Seen from afar, the building is like a block of stone with deep ridges that expose a glazed volume. Although dedicated to earth, it is a building for people based on easy access, visibility and communication.

Photographs by

Explore the full project at the link below!
https://kaanarchitecten.com/project/geo-and-environmental-centre-guz/
Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg

We are delighted to introduce the short film , now freely available worldwide on the web platform.

Directed by Miguel C. Tavares at CMA Hauts-de-France, portrays a specific moment in time. It is a meditation on a paradoxical period at a multifunctional building for collective use. Instead of weaving together people and stories, the big machine is on standby, its parts suspended mid-air.

This film marks the tenth release for the series, consisting of 12 short movies directed by international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects by KAAN Architecten.

https://kaanarchitecten.com/floating-stillness-released-on-minutes-platform/

‘Floating Stillness’ released on MINUTES platform - KAAN Architecten We are delighted to introduce the short film 'Floating Stillness', now freely available worldwide on the MINUTES web platform. This film marks the tenth release for the series, consisting of 12 short movies directed by international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects by KAAN Architect...

is ArchDaily's Building of the Year Finalist!

Over 4,500 nominated projects worldwide have been narrowed down to just 75 finalists, among which is our in the category.

Help us win the title by voting below!
https://boty.archdaily.com/us/2022/candidates/143354/courthouse-amsterdam-slash-kaan-architecten

Building of the Year 2022 Vote for Courthouse Amsterdam / KAAN Architecten

How will the new shape the city?

On Tuesday, February 01, 2022, Architectenweb, in collaboration with the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences - AUAS, Pakhuis de Zwijger and MORE Architecture is organizing a symposium on the emergence of a new hybrid type: a combination of a closed building block with several residential towers.

Kees Kaan joins the symposium to discuss , a mixed residential and office district in the middle of Amstel III designed by KAAN Architecten.

The panel of speakers also includes Barcode Architects, de Architekten Cie., OZ architect, Arcam Architectuurcentrum Amsterdam and BURA urbanism

Reserve your spot at the link below!
https://kaanarchitecten.com/the-new-hybrid-city-block/

The new hybrid city block - KAAN Architecten On Tuesday, Ferbuary 01, 2022, Architectenweb, in collaboration with the Lectoraat Bouwtransformatie van de Hogeschool van Amsterdam, Pakhuis de Zwijger and MORE Architecture, is organizing a symposium on the emergence of a new hybrid building block: the combination of a closed building block with s...

We are delighted to introduce the short film , now freely available worldwide on the web platform.

is a visual essay about the transformation of grief captured in and around the Heimolen Crematorium, directed by From Form

The crematorium’s symbolic architecture reflects on moments of loss, acceptance, and finding relief that often seem to flow into each other and raise the question of whether this occurs in the past, present or near future.

This film marks the ninth release for the series, consisting of 12 short movies directed by international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects by KAAN Architecten.

https://kaanarchitecten.com/await-released-on-minutes-platform/

'Await' released on MINUTES platform - KAAN Architecten We are delighted to introduce the short film 'Await', now freely available worldwide on the MINUTES web platform. This film marks the ninth release for the series, consisting of 12 short movies directed by international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects by KAAN Architecten.

renovation is one of the most anticipated buildings in #2022!

The overview by magazine includes 20 upcoming projects by the world's most renowned architectural offices which respond to the current challenges such as , reduction of the ecological footprint and environmental .

https://www.domusweb.it/en/architecture/gallery/2021/12/02/20-inspiring-architectures-for-the-biggest-challenges-of-2022.html

The most anticipated buildings of 2022 Some of the most influential architects on the planet draw a future on a human scale in which sustainability, culture and urban regeneration are essential dogmas.

We are delighted to introduce the short film , now freely available worldwide on the web platform.

'The Letter H' is an exercise in imagination set on an idyllic countryside estate, directed by the Italian artist and filmmaker Giulio Squillacciotti. While preparing for exams, two students speculate on something that only exists in their minds and, step by step, find themselves in the space they shaped with words.

This film marks the eighth release for the series, consisting of 12 short movies directed by international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects by KAAN Architecten.

https://kaanarchitecten.com/the-letter-h-released-on-minutes-platform/

‘The Letter H’ released on MINUTES platform - KAAN Architecten We are delighted to introduce the short film 'The Letter H', now freely available worldwide on the MINUTES web platform. This film marks the eighth release for the series, consisting of 12 short movies directed by international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects by KAAN Architecten.

"Sustainability is an exercise in citizenship," claims KAAN Architecten managing director Renata Gilio

Following her participation at the in Glasgow, she talks to us about her active work as an and in , ideas for achieving and misconceptions about .

Read more in the latest edition below!
https://kaanarchitecten.com/sustainability-is-an-exercise-in-citizenship-making-of-kaan/

Sustainability is an exercise in citizenship - Making of KAAN - KAAN Architecten Following her participation at the COP26 in Glasgow, our managing director Renata Gilio talks to us about her active work as an urban planner and policymaker in Brazil, ideas for achieving resilient cities and misconceptions about sustainability. Read more in the latest 'Making of KAAN' edition belo...

We are happy to introduce our latest in - The Lobby!

is a sustainable transformation of the current commercial venue located in central Rotterdam. As a part of the ongoing regeneration of the area by Manhave Vastgoed, this outdated structure is getting a complete overhaul based on transparency, accessibility and a lively program.

High-end retail and catering space are spread throughout the building, culminating in a rooftop restaurant and garden that will offer views over the city for visitors year-round. The redesign of the Crystal House gives a nod to the Rotterdam Reconstruction era, yet radiates simultaneously.

Explore the full project at the link below!
https://kaanarchitecten.com/project/the-lobby-crystal-house/

Renders by Vivid Vision

I AM EVERY WOMAN is a creative collaboration between musical artist SEVDALIZA and KAAN Architecten, celebrating female leadership in every form.

Set against the robust yet elegant background of our Rotterdam office, the photographs by Willemskantine showcase Sevdaliza‘s powerful presence as she embodies every position in the workplace. No distinction is made between these positions: they each hold potential, talent, power and strength. Hierarchy is non-existent.

Explore the full collaboration at the link below:
https://kaanarchitecten.com/i-am-every-woman-sevdaliza-meets-kaan-architecten/

On 23 November 2021, A+ Architecture in Belgium and Bozar are hosting the A+ Talk by Flores & Prats Arquitectes and KAAN Architecten at the Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels for a joint thematic conference on natural light.

Vincent Panhuysen will talk about the use of daylight in the work of KAAN Architecten, drawing upon examples such as the Crematorium Siesegem Aalst, Utopia AalstLibrary and many more.

Book your tickets at the link below!
https://kaanarchitecten.com/conversation-about-light-with-flores-prats-arquitectes/

Conversation about light with Flores & Prats Arquitectes - KAAN Architecten On 2 November 2021, A+ Architecture in Belgium and Bozar are hosting a conversation between KAAN Architecten and Flores & Prats Arquitectes at the Centre for Fine Arts in Brussels for a joint thematic conference on natural light.

We are delighted to introduce the short film 'Territory of the Beings', now freely available worldwide on the web platform!

Directed by Dutch visual artist Mirte van Duppen, the film pays homage to the classic wildlife documentaries by exploring the office setting as if it were a natural habitat of an animal species - the ‘beings’.

This film marks the seventh release for the series, consisting of 12 short movies directed by international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects by KAAN Architecten

https://kaanarchitecten.com/territory-of-the-beings-released-on-minutes-platform/

'Territory of the Beings' released on MINUTES platform - KAAN Architecten We are delighted to introduce the short film 'Territory of the Beings', now freely available worldwide on the MINUTES web platform. This film marks the seventh release for the series, consisting of 12 short movies directed by international filmmakers and portraying a selection of projects by KAAN Ar...

Very proud to see nominated for the Architecture Award!

'Enriching by setting an example and an agenda' - that is how the jury led by Michiel Riedijk describes the three nominated projects for the ARC21 Architecture Award, which include our , Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen (MVRDV) and Spaarndammerhart ( )

de Architect Heijmans Facilicom Macquarie Group ABT bv Rijksvastgoedbedrijf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNkcbVv4n-c&t=222s

Nominaties ARC21 Architetuur Award Ben je nieuwsgierig naar de genomineerden voor de ARC21 Architectuur Award? In deze video vertelt juryvoorzitter Michiel Riedijk over de drie ontwerpen die k...

'Living also means maintenance.' writes Dikkie Scipio in her latest quarterly column for de Architect, drawing parallels between the living nature of greenery and architecture.

Read the full essay below!
https://kaanarchitecten.com/academic/life-is-finite-a-column-by-dikkie-scipio/

'Life is finite' - a column by Dikkie Scipio - KAAN Architecten Dikkie Scipio continues her quarterly columns for 'de Architect' magazine. Read the full essay below!

KAAN Architecten at the COP26 !

As an official member of São Paulo's Chamber for Climate Change, KAAN Architecten will participate in the 26th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-26) in Glasgow.

Through our branch office in Sao Paulo and the active membership of managing director Renata Gilio in the Chamber for Climate Change, KAAN Architecten is a part of the policymaking processes for the sustainable development of the State of São Paulo.

Together with Cetesb - Companhia Ambiental and the Government of the State of São Paulo, we will launch the book 'São Paulo Environmental Agreement: 56 successful cases in the climate agenda'.

The book is a result of a joint research effort in reducing GHG emissions and its findings will also be presented as a part of the CETESB-UN Climate Change Partnership on Friday, 5 November.

Find out more below!
https://kaanarchitecten.com/kaan-architecten-at-the-cop-26/

KAAN Architecten at the COP-26 - KAAN Architecten As an official member of São Paulo's Chamber for Climate Change, KAAN Architecten will participate in the 26th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-26) in Glasgow. Find out more below!

Amsterdam Courthouse wins Architectural Award 2021!

The award ceremony, hosted by the Los Angeles Business Council on October 26, recognized more than 20 architectural and design projects, including the Amsterdam Courthouse in the 'Beyond L.A.' category.

The jury panel, comprised of industry experts in architecture, engineering, and building development, recognized the contribution of the Courthouse in reenergizing the public space and adding a striking new silhouette to the city's landscape.

The ceremony featured special remarks by Frank Gehry, recipient of the new Community Legacy Award and designer of many of L.A.’s most iconic landmarks.

ABT bv Facilicom Heijmans Macquarie Group Rijksvastgoedbedrijf

Photographs by Últimas reportagens

A full list of honorees is available at https://labusinesscouncil.org/2021-architectural-awards/

Utopia Aalst is the Best Arts & Culture Building Project at the ABB LEAF Awards!

At the last week's ceremony in London, Utopia and for in Aalst, Belgium was awarded the prestigious title. Congratulations to the whole team!

Stad Aalst groep Van Roey

Images by Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti

How do we for ?

and in higher education are currently subject to profound social and educational change. , digital work, the rapid development of new technologies, international competitive pressure between universities and the qualities of university locations are just a few aspects that play a decisive role in this.

Kees Kaan is joining the Typology Talks: Learning Landscapes conference organized by Atelier Kempe Thill at the Leibniz Universität Hannover, Fakultät für Architektur und Landschaft

With experience in architectural practice and academia, he will offer his views on the evolving learning landscapes both as an architect and a teacher.

Kaan will be joined by guest speakers Piet Eckert (E2A), Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara (Grafton Architects).

Tune in on 20 October, 15.30 h, when the conference will be streamed on the YouTube channel of the LUH Faculty of Architecture and Landscape.

https://kaanarchitecten.com/kees-kaan-at-learning-landscapes-conference/

Kees Kaan at 'Learning Landscapes' conference - KAAN Architecten On 20 October, Kees Kaan is participating in the 'Typology Talks: Learning Landscapes' conference organized by Studio Kempe Thill. Scroll down to find out how to participate!

We are proud to introduce - a construction module based on an optimized concrete shell developed in collaboration with and ABT bv

The concept will be introduced at the fair from 12-14 October, Brabanthallen, Den Bosch.

https://kaanarchitecten.com/circle-build-faster-with-flexible-modules/

CIRCLE - Build faster with flexible modules - KAAN Architecten We are proud to introduce CIRCLE - a construction module based on an optimized concrete shell developed in collaboration with Casco Totaal and ABT. The concept will be introduced at the PREFAB fair from 12 to 14 October, Brabanthallen, Den Bosch.