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Kulturhus De Nieuwhof, Westervoort - The Netherlands
JOHAN DE WACHTER
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Biography
After his graduation from University of Leuven Johan de Wachter (1976, Belgium) worked from 2000 to 2004 at O.M.A. (O ce for Metropolitan Architecture) of Rem Koolhaas, where he collaborated on many projects and competitions. In 2003 he co-founded Fün Design Consultancy (Fündc) and was partner to 2005. In 2005 he started Johan De Wachter Architecten (JDWA). Next to his design practice, Johan teaches at the Technical University Delft and The Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design, and is a frequent guest lecturer at various universities in Europe. In 2011 Johan De Wachter and Rik De Vooght, founded 2DVW Architects. Through this o ce Johan operates in Belgium.
JDWA OFFICE PROFILE
The Rotterdam based JDWA o ce (Johan De Wachter Architects bv) is a design practice for architectureand complex projects within the existing city. Part of it’s activities involves typological studies for housing projects. Currently the design studies focus on innovative typologies for housing and care, including logistical, engineering and commercial implications. In many projects a combination of renovation, intensive reuse and smart extensions can be found. Next to an extensive housing portfolio, JDWA is also on the lookout for social-cultural “niche” projects and interesting redevelopments or urban redesignation plans. Schools, cultural centres, neighbourhood (sports) facilities & the reviving of monumental churches, all these projects pose a conceptual challenge for the design team, either because of their location, programmatic questions or their technical, historical or commercial constraints. Formulating (often times) provocative concepts, the tentions between dream and reality are explored through architectural and urban design. Clients and users are involved from an early stage to (re-)formulate their desires, for often their true needs only surface after extensive research and discussion of the initial program requirements.
JDWA works with a exible team of seven architects and designers on projects in The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Portugal and China. Our clients are social housing corporations, project developers, local governments and private parties.
Three seperate buildings transformed into one Kulturhus –The existing Nieuwhof was in a poor condition and a thorough 'update' was necessary, both in terms of technology and equipment as in terms of appearance, inside and out. "The building was built as a gymnasium, later a socio-cultural centre and a sports hall were added. The various buildings stood with their backs to each other. We re-united these parts and added a shared lobby."Says Johan De Wachter.
