Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Architect: Joost Glissenaar Architects.

The former factory complex at Nieuwe Achtergracht 168-172 is being redeveloped to accommodate the CREA cultural centre, which offers courses and workshops in various fields of arts and produces performances, concerts, manifestations, and exhibitions. Due to the inability to create large, column-less spaces within the existing buildings, the western section of the complex will be demolished, except for the facade of the Nieuwe Achtergracht. A new building will be constructed on the demolition site, which will house all the studios, the theatre hall, and the music hall. The new building will be divided by a central gallery, which will showcase the industrial history of the complex through the visibility of the climate control system. The facades of the new section will be a modern interpretation of the facades of the retained buildings, with a grid of vertical windows. An interior wall will be erected behind the retained facade on the Nieuwe Achtergracht for the purpose of the ‘box in box’ construction for the music halls. The smaller window openings in the interior wall will show that the facade is a shell and does not correspond fully with the new volume behind it. Overall, the redevelopment of the former factory complex at Nieuwe Achtergracht 168-172 will provide a unique space where industry complements theatre and where history meets the present.

Photo credit: Jannes Linderst.