The Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a centre for interdisciplinary research and has the ambition to be a free-space within the academic world. IAS brings together young international scientists to generate ideas, broaden knowledge, and develop new interdisciplinary research methodologies.
IAS takes over two buildings that are listed as state monuments in the heart of Amsterdam city centre. The two buildings were designed by architect Philips Vingboons in 1642 as twin houses. The twins were already divorced at birth. Different use and different owners left their tracks in the buildings. The facade of 147 was even completely replaced in 1882 to a design by A.L. Van Gendt.
With the new owner the twins are reunited again after three and a half century. The rich history of the buildings formed an inspiration. The mirroring of the buildings, continuous building and rebuilding, layer upon layer, generation by generation, is in the DNA of the premises. This gave HOH a handbook to sometimes reconstruct and sometimes intervene radically where the new use forced it.
Another source of inspiration was the new user, the IAS. Reflecting, redefining and discovering, characteristics that the Institute expects expects from its scientists are also introduced as as spatial principles in the design. An architectural play between physical and visual, old and new, reality and perception must ensure that both users and visitors need to redefine their way of interacting, working and collaborating.
Location : Oude Turfmarkt, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Client : University of Amsterdam / Institute of Advanced Studies
Program : offices and workspaces
Area : 600 m2
Status : Completed in 2018
Construction engineer : Tentij Constructie BV
Contractor: Biltz
Project team: Freyke Hartemink, Carsten Hilgendorf, Jarrik Ouburg, Diana Kuch, Matteo Oldoni, Giulio Tamma
