UNStudio

UNStudio is an internationally oriented architecture and design studio based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The founders are Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos. The office works on many areas that go partly beyond the scope of activities of a classic architectural firms. It deals with urban planning, infrastructure, public and private construction projects of all sizes.

Approach

The name stands for united UN studio net, translated United Network and explains the self-understanding of the office, to form a network of experts who deal with progressive architecture. UN united architects, craftsmen, theorists, administrators, management specialists and canvassers. Projects are seen as a public construct, in which the architect is the coordination and networking expert, not the classic builder. The office is committed to a non-hierarchical, creative and integral design process with support of modern technologies that allow an optimal flow of ideas. The aim of this integral design is to develop good strategies for complex projects, taking account of program design and use studies.

The office would like to make a significant contribution to the evolution of architecture by its own account. It tries to continually develop their own skills in terms of design, technology, expertise and project management and become a specialist in the implementation of complex, public projects.

Development

Since 1999, UNStudio is an independent agency, separate from the architectural firm Van Berkel & Bos. Since 2001, the office operates according to ISO standard. In addition to the founders, there are two other partners. Tobias Walliser was design director and Harm Wassink Administrative Director. 2005 Gerard Loozekoot became the associate of the office.

Projects (selection)

  • Museum Het Valkhof, (museum), Nijmegen (1999)
  • La Défense (office building), Almere ( 1999-2004)
  • Living Tomorrow, ( House, Café), Amsterdam ( 2002-2004)
  • Mercedes -Benz Museum ( Museum ), Stuttgart (2002-2006)
  • Prins Clausbrug, a cable-stayed bridge in Utrecht over the Amsterdam -Rhine canal, inaugurated in June 2003

Awards

  • 2005 Nominated Almere Architecture Award 2005 ( for La Defense in Almere )
  • 2005 Nominated Mies van der Rohe Award ( for La Defense in Almere )
  • ANWB 2005 Award for the best garage in the Netherlands in Arnhem
  • 2005 Lighting Award for the Fashion Hall Galleria, Seoul, South Korea
  • 2004 1st Prize Competition Siemens City, Vienna, Austria
  • 2004 Belgian Staalprijs for the Prins Clausbrug, Utrecht
  • 2004 British Steel Award for the Prins Clausbrug, Utrecht
  • 2002 1st Prize Competition Mercedes -Benz Museum, Stuttgart
  • 2001 1st Prize Competition expansion and renovation Jewish Historical Museum, Amsterdam
  • 2001 Nomination Mies van der Rohe Award for the Museum Het Valkhof in Nijmegen
  • 2000 1st Prize Competition Ponte Parodi, Genoa, Italy
Hierarchy Valkhof museum La Défense Integrated Authority File
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