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VERKAUF UND PRÄSENTATION • RETAIL AND PRESENTATION

Die didaktischen Bereiche des Auditoriums ... • The didactic areas of the auditorium ...

Blickbezüge zwischen innen und außen • Visual references between inside and outside ... und der Bibliothek ergänzen das Schuhmuseum. • ... and the library complement the Shoe Museum.

F or centuries, Waalwijk and the Langstraat area in the province of North Brabant best to avoid inhibitions and the impression of a white cube, because the Shoe Mu-
seum is designed for different target groups, addressing international fashion experts
were the centre of the Dutch shoe and leather industry. This trade once was the re-
gion's economic basis and pride. Today, the traditional craft and industrial sector has just as much as families. Instead, they used familiar, everyday and durable materials.
disappeared as a result of globalisation. However, Waalwijk has a shoe and leather mu- Brick, steel, concrete and wood characterise the new areas, which correspond with the
seum in the Schoenenkwartier, the shoe district. It was founded in 1954 and is a com- existing building and its genius loci. The central multifunctional table in the entrance
bination of museum and innovation centre. The Schoenenkwartier is centrally located area is made of the ecological composite material hemp lime. The artificial felt for the
in the imposing brick complex of the Waalwijk City Hall. The “Radhuis ensemble” is ceilings is made of recycled PET bottles. The eye-catching ceramic walls in the shop
considered one of the most important works of architect Alexander Kropholler (1881- were created in collaboration with the La-Di-Da agency. Innovative technologies, upcy-
1973) and dates from the 1930s. It was completed in several construction phases; in the cling and craftsmanship go hand in hand: while the ceramic moulds were made using
1980s, an office wing was added to the historical heritage. Last year, Civic Architects a 3D printer, waste products from glazing processes were used. The prototype of the ce-
from Amsterdam converted, renovated and extended the existing building. Recently, ramic wall was developed with the ceramic studio Cor Unum and partly produced by
their Shoe Museum was chosen as the “Public Building of the Year 2022” in the Nether- jobless people. Students from the SintLucas Singing School designed the leather cushi-
lands. There were several reasons for this award: the dialogue with the listed building, ons for the auditorium, and local businesses made the office furniture. Besides the ex-
the social relevance, the respect for craftsmanship and the innovative spirit of the pro- hibition, the museum with its open design and manufacturing workshops offers desi-
ject. In the interests of sustainability and for financial reasons, the architects decided gners, pupils, students and business people the opportunity to become active themsel-
to retain the structure of the office wing. The former outdoor space between the office ves. Young visitors can experiment with materials in the test boxes and try out how it
wing and the Kropholler building was roofed over to create a light-filled hall. Although feels to walk in high heels, on platform soles and in shoes from all continents. Progres-
this intervention is visible from the town hall square, it is an unobtrusive new part of sive designer duo Petersen Stoop demonstrate on-site how to upcycle sneakers, and
the imposing brick ensemble. In order to create visual relationships, the façade of the traditional and alternative materials can be discovered, studied and touched in the ma-
office wing was completely dismantled, large, round openings now form a striking new terial warehouse. The tradition of shoe manufacturing, which is still important for the
inner façade facing the hall. According to Civic Architects, the circular openings interpret local identity, has found a new collective home in the recently expanded shoe museum.
the arcades of the old city hall without copying them. The architects have done their And this is obviously very well received by the public.

116 • AIT 1/2.2023