We at Benthem Crouwel take a realistic view of our work. Our ideas seem to have lost nothing of their value after more than 30 years. Good architecture begins with clear thinking, better solutions come from digging deeper. Which is why we like clients who ask questions and have opinions of their own. We are not after sensation and extravagance but seek the core of the matter. This, in our experience, is how to achieve designs that steer clear of the obvious. Creativity thrives in a climate of orderliness and rationality. Our firm is known for its ability to keep the entire process under control, in terms of both time and costs. We can talk about our work for hours, although what others say about it is more revealing.
The former factory building in which De Pont is housed, plays a
considerable role in creating our museum's image. Artists and visitors
immediately feel at home in it, and the installation of exhibitions is
sheer bliss. Benthem Crouwel's approach with the renovation showed
respect for what was there and vision with respect to what it could and has, in fact, become: the most beautiful museum in the Netherlands.
Hendrik Driessen, director of De Pont
They work wonders with light and space to construct cathedrals of glass.
Henk van Veldhuizen, director of Noord/Zuidlijn project office
Benthem Crouwel have succeeded in giving form to the concept of
'unity in duality' in a most superior way. That is a question of architecture. Moreover, they have been gloriously successful in turning the face of the Stedelijk Museum toward the Museumplein. That is a question of urban design. In both fields, with this design Benthem Crouwel prove themselves masters of their craft.
Jury report: architect selection for the Stedelijk Museum
We chose Benthem Crouwel on their proven ability to meet complex logistical challenges by combining ingenuity with dependability, timeliness and a professional attitude.
Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA)
As architects they make an excellent contribution. They do not limit themselves to the role of pure designers, but they are also the source of inspiration of the whole process including the other disciplines involved. Like a spider in the web Benthem Crouwel Architekten integrate the contributions of all parties concerned. This leads to projects which, in spite of the complexity of the demands, are marked by transparent structure, clear design and a character of their own.
Jury report: Kubus award Royal Institute of Dutch Architects
As a building, 013's just brilliant.
Renske, student (at scholieren.com)