Page 87 - AIT0625_E-Paper

Entwurf • Design Kumiki, NL-Rotterdam
Grundriss Erdgeschoss • Ground floor plan
Grundriss Obergeschoss • Upper floor plan
Bauherr • Client De Achtertuin, NL-Nijmegen
Standort • Location De Kolk 14, NL-Nijmegen
Nutzfläche • Floor space 600 m 2
Fotos • Photos Max Hart Nibbrig, NL-Amsterdam
Mehr Infos auf Seite • More info on page 134
DE ACHTERTUIN
IN NIJMEGEN
The past has many facets: from artificial-silk spinning to
cultural spinning. And today? The former industrial site
of the NYMA company in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, is
now used for various purposes. Until 2021, the building,
once part of the artificial-silk factory, was a cultural home
for over 40 artists and cultural organizations called De
Vasim. Today, it is a place for everyone.
T ake an empty industrial shell and rectangular mushroom-shaped
supports as an architectural basis, add new fixtures and fittings,
and you have a multifunctional space. Almost, that is ... the coronavirus
pandemic gave the project its initial impetus as an outdoor meeting
place – Kumiki Architecture completed the concept with a structural
response for the interior. Known as De Achtertuin or the backyard, the
industrial building now offers space for a colourful potpourri of func-
tions: from gastronomy to cultural and sports facilities to an event
venue. The charm of old industries still remains palpable, however;
the character of the place was intended to be reflected in the new con-
cept. To continue the shell appearance of the building, the raw concrete
structure of the mushroom-shaped supports and the ceiling with visib-
le formwork marks were retained without any alterations. All additi-
ons are clearly recognizable and stand out from the existing structure
through their materials, their form and their colour. New elements were
arranged in a grid that was rotated 45 degrees, similar to a tangram
puzzle, which dynamically loosened up the rigid spatial structure of the
supports. The planners took advantage of the room height for further
developing the existing space. They extended the seating area to include
a mezzanine floor. The wall cladding of the mezzanine floor and the
hidden utility rooms for storage, toilets and staff bears the unmistakable
signature of Kumiki Architecture: the grid-like wooden construction with
perforated wooden elements used as infill has a positive effect on the
natural atmosphere of the room! In addition to wood, the architects
have used a familiar material to create the bar, DJ booth and windbreak
portal from glass blocks, as they had been used in the façade back
in 1948. Bright colours – red, pink, orange, yellow and blue – adorn
the stairs, floor, balustrade and built-in furniture. The glass blocks also
follow a lighting concept developed by light artist Nick Mansveld, with
integrated coloured LED strips. So: take an empty industrial shell, design
a concept for shape, colour and materials, respect and integrate what
you find, and you end up with a multifunctional space for everyone!
AIT 6.2025 • 087