Conservatorium Hotel
The Conservatorium Hotel opened in 2011 on the Museumsplein in Amsterdam, close to the Van Gogh and the Stedelijk museums. After working together on the Mamilla Hotel in Jerusalem, Piero Lissoni and the Alrov Group joined forces in a second hotel project. As with the Mamilla Hotel, here too the combination of new and old structures is a characteristic of the project: the neo-Gothic building on Van Baerlestraat was erected in the 1890s and initially opened in 1901 as the Rijkspostspaarbank. The building later housed the Amsterdam Conservatory and when this moved to a new building in April 2008, Lissoni was able to begin reconstruction.
The concept emphasizes a combination of styles and a clear, unmistakable sense of design where existing and new elements are brought together in a discriminating dialogue. The provisions for the protection of historic buildings and the strict Dutch building code initially posed significant challenges for the project in regards to both technical and aesthetic considerations.
Elegant and sophisticated furnishings were planned for the one hundred and thirty rooms and suites, the conference rooms, brasserie, à la carte restaurant and bar, fitness rooms and wellness area. Classic furniture by well-known designers, such as Hans J. Wegner and Poul Kjaerholm, are combined with Piero Lissoni’s own designs for Cassina, Living Divani and Kartell. Additional furniture is designed specifically for this project. The concept unifies the numerous different rooms and functions of the hotel resulting in a broad spectrum of scenarios, styles and materials and guaranteeing a unique hotel experience for guests. The old structure was treated with particular respect, but new alterations were made where necessary.
The covered interior courtyard is without a doubt the most striking new component. Constructed completely of glass, it underscores the contrast between old and new, while doing full justice to the original structure of the historic building.
