The a+u April issue is our first monograph with Mecanoo, a distinguished Dutch architecture office, founded in 1984. Tracing back to their roots in the Netherlands, Mecanoo’s early housing projects revealed the strong social agenda they have as “they forge a trail through people, place and purpose to that poetry” through their designs, described in an essay by founding partner, Francine Houben. The firm now operates under the direction of Francine who believes that “architecture must appeal to all the senses”. Today, their portfolio includes projects like libraries, theaters and campuses that can be found over the world. This publication provides a comprehensive review of Mecanoo works in the recent 3 decades divided into 2 distinct sections – the first is a foundation of projects by Mecanoo in their native country, and the second features works that define their influence outside of the Netherlands. (a+u)
Essay
From Purpose to Poetry
Francine Houben, Herbert Wright
The Netherlands
Mekel Park – Campus Delft University of Technology
Library Delft University of Technology
Nelson Mandela Park
Spoorzone Dordrecht
Villa 4.0
NS Journey of the future
NS Vision Interior Train of the Future
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Villa Industria Silo’s
St. Gerlach Pavilion & Manor Farm
Office Villa Maliebaan 16 58
Delft City Hall and Train Station
Urban Villa Myriad
FiftyTwoDegrees
Maritime Center Rotterdam
Kaap Skil, Maritime and Beachcombers Museum
Villa Vught
Keukenhof
Netherlands Open Air Museum
St. Mary of the Angels Chapel
and Beyond
Palace of Justice
La Llotja Theater and Conference Center
Library of Birmingham
Glass Villa on the lake
Senezh Management LAB
Scali Milano – Catalysts for sustainable living
Kaohsiung Station
National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts
Tainan Public Library
Main Street of Yangdong-District
Futian Civic Culture Center
Longgang Cultural Center
Order your copy here.