Enschede, Netherlands

De Eekenhof

With the completion of De Eekenhof, Enschede has gained an exceptional new building. A conspicuous architectural statement, it is unmistakeable in many respects. First of all because of its prominent position at heart of Roombeek, a new residential district which has literally risen from the ashes of the area destroyed in the 2000 firework disaster and which has won the 2007 Golden Pyramid award for excellence in architectural commissioning.

Its relationship with architectural history is certainly more active than passive. At first glance, the design seems to owe much to the celebrated Amsterdam School. The rounded, projecting brick balconies and the numerous bay windows look like a clear tribute such to such examples as the residential blocks built by Michiel de Klerk on Vrijheidslaan in Amsterdam. Unlike much neotraditional architecture, however, these references have not been included out of a desire to please, to garner instant recognition or to court popularity. This is anything but a case of lazy imitation. Rather, the decision to incorporate these elements was the result of careful analysis. The stylistic references have been included for their iconographic significance, in that they have proven their effectiveness in adding figurative movement – and hence architectural dynamism – to a building. But also because of these elements’ ability to communicate with their immediate surroundings. Not only does this edifice guide traffic up Roomweg, it also interacts directly with the adjacent buildings. In other words, it is the explicit result of a dynamic and outward-looking concept.

It is a pronounced architectural gesture smack in the middle of the renovated Roombeek residential district, forming an unmistakable landmark at the intersection of major roads, routes and visual axes. The brick apartment block, which actually comprises three parts, is situated on a triangular plot. The multi-faceted dynamism that can be seen in the partly staggered construction of the volume, the composition of the façade, the iconographic use of stylistic citations and a dizzying central hall in the main building is characteristic.

De Eekenhof proves to be a coherent, intelligent design based on movement, growth and dynamism, thereby harmonising with and symbolising the result of the renovation of the district. It is a meaningful building because of its autonomous qualities, but also as a potential monument that both looks back to the past and gives direction to the future.

Europaconcorsi Beta

De Eekenhof