The architecture of KENK > Ornament en identity
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An important form of sustainability is making of well-functioning and energy-efficient buildings. Equally important is that a building or neighbourhood has character and atmosphere and is based on the human scale so that the people will love their environment. These principles were important in the design of project ‘Jatopa’ in the western garden city suburb of Amsterdam. This area is transformed into an urban environment with a much higher density. Due to this increase in scale the building mass is divided in smaller parts. The façade of each part is elaborated individually so that the residents can see where they live. To develop the recognisability and individuality further we made an exuberant use of ornament. The artists of Studio Job designed concrete reliefs with flowers, animals, sports and crafts representing a theme for each of the individual parts of the complex.
In the project ‘De Trefkoel’ in Groningen ornament is also used. Here the artist Jack Brandsma uses the theme of a brass key that was found at an archaeological site nearby. This key is regarded as one the first forms of culture in Groningen and is processed in the prefabricated concrete edges of the balconies and in the fences. In this way a relationship is established between the new building and the history of the place. This reinforces the significance and the identity of the building and its location. |