Location: Leeuwarden, Netherlands.

Architect: i29.

Museum Princessehof in Leeuwarden, the European Capital of Culture 2018, has undergone a major renovation to increase its appeal and accessibility to visitors. i29 interior architects was tasked with creating a modern interior in the 18th century building, which includes an entrance hall, museum store, tearoom and exhibition areas. The challenge was to create a welcoming and contemporary entrance area in the rather closed monumental buildings. The entrance area is entirely opened up to attract more people and offer visitors the option of perusing the tearoom and museum store. The new area welcomes visitors in a spacious entrance hall with lots of daylight. The space also connects the museum store, cash register area and tearoom in one. The horizontal alignment and level differences in these objects are a subtle reference to layers of earth, the natural resource of ceramics. To create an intensive experience throughout the various spaces, i29 added clear contrasts, which is most visible on the passage areas. The pronounced simplicity of the design interventions contrasts with the monumental shell. The contrast between old/new and monumental/contemporary complements each other, and together they form a powerful and surprising whole. It places the monument back into the here and now, not only in the functional sense. In line with i29’s design philosophy that an inspiring environment is not dependent on expensive materials or technical show, this project was completed on a very tight budget.

Photo credit: Ewout Huibers.