Studio RIANKNOP made 'The Building as a Canvas for Art' their starting point for the renovation of the former biscuit factory and contemporary cultural hotspot De Verkadefabriek in Den Bosch.
It's been a while since biscuits were baked at De Verkadefabriek in Den Bosch. Since 2004, the 97-year-old factory has been a centre for art in the widest sense. With two theatre halls, five cinemas, a café-restaurant, club hall, shop and several rehearsal spaces, De Verkadefabriek is an icon in the area and a favourite spot for many. After intensive use, it was time for a renovation. Exhibiting art previously took place mainly in the theatres, on the white screen and in the gallery. Studio RIANKNOP took art as the starting point and transformed the entire building into a space for art.
With respect for the iconic building and the current users, studio RIANKNOP chose a clear approach. De Verkadefabriek is not only a hotspot where art can be seen in theatres and exhibition spaces, it is much more than that. Art in the broadest sense is an experience that should not only be accessible to visitors but also to all passersby at all times. This makes De Verkadefabriek into an outspoken avant-garde hotspot where various visitors feel at home.
In the development of De Bossche Delta, De Verkadefabriek will be the focal point when it comes to connecting and inspiring. With the idea in mind that art should be accessible to everyone, at all times day and night, we decided to integrate art into the partial design of all different areas.
The impressive building was honoured for its qualities and all usable existing elements were preserved. A new base colour concept is the canvas for art; the colour concept and history are the starting point for the complete design. Honor what works well, appreciate history and work wìth it instead of changing it.
Working in a vibrant creative environment can be challenging; a centre open 364 days a year is not really made for renovations. Strict planning and communication with all, preferably local, parties did make it possible to give the hotspot a new, well-deserved fresh start.
Each area has its own typical and bold design style.
The corridor is not only the entrance to all areas. A modular, colourful wall system in various sizes gives both visual art and performing arts space. Several fixed wall systems provide space for the agenda, film trailers and seating areas. The ticket zone has become a warm, distinctive place where visitors won't get bored while waiting. The corridor has become a full-fledged place where visitors want to stay.
In the makers promenade, a mural by Sidney Waerts shows the history of Dutch theatre. Memorable installations, coryphées and iconic moments have been incorporated into the design. A beautiful talking piece with educational value.
One of the cinema halls has become a boutique cinema. Executed with the warmest materials and even plants have been added in this hall to make the warm home feeling optimal. Soft, dark colours are mixed with natural materials such as wood, wool and velvet. Adjustable armchairs in the front row complete the experience. This cinema hall is now also a favourite for lectures and other events.
In De Serre, the greenhouse area, plants come first alongside art. After thorough research, the new layout has only slightly changed compared to the previous position of the bar. It has proven that in this position the bar handles the crowds of visitors well before a premiere, and at the same time is a warm welcome for visitors during less busy moments. It gave the opportunity to reuse the entire interior of the existing bar, something studio RIANKNOP is a big advocate of. “What works well can stay.”
To make the best of the connection with the courtyard and the adjacent villa, we created a considerably larger, red powder-coated opening in the facade. Benches and planters made from reclaimed wood connect indoors with outdoors, seemingly the bench protrudes through the glass. Large red custom-made lanterns mark the connection of this indoor and outdoor space. All other furniture is flexible so different arrangements are easily applicable.
Where possible, we reused what already existed. The existing sofas have been reupholstered and combine excellently with the new wooden chairs and tables made from reclaimed wood, designed by Tjalko Lokhorst and produced in Den Bosch. Blended Materials developed a new type of tile specially for De Serre, made from waste and hand-glazed. We used them behind the bar as a vibrant contrast with the green and red. The countertop at the front bar was made by Diggels and is built from construction waste.
The work Enchanted Garden by artist Anna Surie is placed on the wall and ceiling next to the theatre hall entrances. The work shows a fascination for the contrast between the idyllic surface and the inevitable shadow side of life. No light without darkness, according to Anna. The longer you look, the more you see.
Maarten Demmink’s installations of small wooden houses growing on the wall and ceiling show us in a moving way the basics of life. In the little people’s houses you find no people, but if you look closely it seems as if they could return at any moment. Inspired by travel and dreams, Maarten incorporates the deeply human need for a place that can bring security, privacy and calm into his fantasy worlds.
The Villa, the former residence of the board, is an icon on the edge of the De Verkadefabriek grounds. The space is now used as a meeting room with space for acoustic concerts, lectures and breakout sessions. Also here, art is the starting point and upon entering, an overwhelming text by Rogier Roeters welcomes the visitor. Guided by the carefully chosen coloured walls and ceiling, you find your way to the quieter rooms. Surrounded by pastel green and pastel blue, concentration and inspiration are at their best.
Peim van der Sloot made his artwork that floated on the wall of the smaller breakout room and esteemed photographer Joep Lennarts has a permanent exhibition in the large meeting room. All new furniture is from Vrienden from Den Bosch, again the application of local craftsmanship. The existing chairs have been reupholstered and fit well with the new design.
Currently the toilets are under construction. Where visual and performing arts give depth to the halls and other rooms, auditory art inspires the visitors of the former factory toilet. The tiles in the foyer are a work of art by Olga Pullens and resonate the story of De Verkadefabriek from then until now.
Specifications:
Interior: Concept and design by studio RIANKNOP
Client: De Verkadefabriek Den Bosch
Program: Renovation of entrance, corridor, hall 4, makers promenade, serre, villa, hall 1 and toilets. Concept development, design, color and material advice, execution, 3D visualizations, technical design interior elements, lighting advice, construction supervision, interior construction supervision.
Parties Entrance, Corridor and Hall 4: Interior Construction: Fiction Factory | Green Advice: Het Groenlab | Painter: Kifa
Parties Serre and Villa: Interior Construction: Brandwacht&Meijer | Green Advice: Groenrijk | Construction Contractor: vd Bouwhuijsen | Installer: Kuipers | Painter: Kifa
Parties Toilets: Finishing and Painting: Kifa | Interior Construction: Brandwacht&Meijer
Floor Repair Corridor: De Vloerendokters
Art created in collaboration with: Sidney Waerts (Makers Promenade) | Anna Surie (Serre wallpaper) | Maarten Demmink (Serre houses) | Rogier Roeters (Villa entrance) | Peim van der Sloot (Villa room) | Joep Lennarts (Villa meeting room) | Corridor rotating exhibitions
