Bruynzeel

Bruynzeel was a Dutch timber factory where originally doors and floors were made. However, the factory became known mainly though the fabrication of its pencils and kitchens. The factory with its buildings and public space were designed as a coherent ensemble by Jan Wils in 1958. The re-use of the vacant factory is envisaged as a retail center.

To prevent the public space surrounding the retail to be dominated by cars, all parking is efficiently organized over four stories in the smallest hall of the factory. The retail program is distributed over two stories in the longest hall. The central hall gives space to public oriented program. The function of this roof-lit passage changes during the day from supply, market hall, festival space, sports hall to event space. Bridges and stairs connect the three halls and will also be used as terrace, restaurant or a place for a DJ’s turntable.