Amsterdam School

Between 1910 and 1930 the Amsterdam School arose as a style of architecture in The Netherlands as part of the International Expressionist movement. Even today some Amsterdam neighbourhoods, such as the Spaarndammerbuurt and De Baarsjes, are stunning examples of urban design in this architectural style. Over the last year Studio Refill has been involved in refurbishment projects in both neighbourhoods. We worked on design proposals for two community buildings, that need to be made future proof with respect to their heritage status. Actually, though we always liked Amsterdam School architecture, we are devotees now. Its just amazing how good architecture can affect the way we feel when walking around. As J. Reader once said: “We shape the city… and than it shapes us…”

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17th century meets 21st

 

What happens when 17th century meets 21st? That was something we had to think about, when we were asked one year ago, to come up with a conceptual design for the complete refurbishment of a 17th century church. The building itself hasn’t been used for quite some time, apart from classical music concerts and expositions on a regular base. However, the building has much more potential. In cooperation with two social entrepreneurs, we worked on a conceptual strategy for a mixed-use commercial as well as social programme. With some minimal interventions, it must be possible to prepare the building to facilitate the new functions. Respecting its heritage qualities, these interventions can give the building a new and vital life for the rest of this 21st century.

Trending on Weibo

Although this is only a mini-mini-interview I conducted for One World Magazine (november 2015), I do want to share it with you anyway. Why? Because it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce Manya Koetse and her super cool website whatsonweibo.com.  She is a fascinating Sinologist and editor, providing cultural, historical and political insights into trending topics on China’s social media.

The first time I heard her speak was in a panel discussion on women’s rights in China and I thought she was by far the most interesting person on stage. While the others were talking in general about issues, she used all kinds of examples and little stories to illustrate her point.

Show, don’t tell… totally my cup of tea!

China Creates – Lecture

A couple of weeks ago I did a lecture at Pakhuis de Zwijger about how Taobao-entrepeneurs transform rural area’s. The talk was embedded in a super fascinating bigger program on social innovation in China.

During the event different aspects were highlighted of a society and economy shifting from imitation to innovation. Starting with the typical Chinese phenomenon of Shanzhai (‘Sunbucks Coffee’, ‘Dolce&Banana’, ‘Blockberry’ or ‘Phone 6’), we looked at its great potential for social innovation. I learned a lot from my fellow lecturers Liu Yan and Tvi Vinig. It was great to be part of this.

Orange is the new Black

Don’t you agree that autumn in the Netherlands has been lovely so far? The colours of the trees were amazing. The Vondelpark in Amsterdam looked like it was on fire constantly. Walks in the park inspired the new series of ads for HKWJ/Triple Eight. Orange is the new black:)!

Exhibition Time and Again

As this year is coming to an end soon, I must say that time seems to go faster and faster the older I become. An awesome Palais Royal exhibition about the evolution of women’s watches over a period of 150 years, gave me the chance to work with this very interesting concept and contemplate it at the same time:).

I learned that before the 1920’s, women’s watches had very small clock-face’s, a watch was more a piece of jewellery because well-off ladies didn’t need to keep track of time since they didn’t have anything important scheduled in their lives of leisure.

In the catalogue we also used a timeline:) to educate the mostly Chinese visitors a bit about all the different style periods in 19th and 20th century Europe (Edwardian Era, Art Deco, etc). The logo was and abstract diamond that resembles a clock. By leaving out different pieces of the diamond (pointers) for different era’s or locations, it looks like the clock shows a different time.

You can still visit the exhibition untill 15th of december on Hollywoord road, Hong Kong.