This derelict paper factory became a place of wonder, discovery, and creation.
.
The building, an uninspiring and haphazard collection of metal boxes, sits in an industrial zone without any apparent spark to kindle creativity. In fact, alterations to the building had renderend even it’s sole quality, the repetitive order of the original designs, indistinguishable.
.
Given it’s surrounding and exterior appearance it’s no wonder that visitors to De Hoop are always surprised when they step inside. The space has effectively become a vibrant village of about two hundred creative entrepreneurs and crafts(wo)men.
.
To accommodate these entrepreneurs we enlisted them to build a framework that allows an ongoing and open process of creation. An important feature in this framework are the openings in the facades. Doors and windows were built by each individual tenant; Revealing their will to create and showing their unique character.
.
At the next scale of the building these individual expressions combine into a collection of streets, alleys and squares. Each of these places has it’s own character and function in the village. Some places are busy, some are secluded. There are spaces for relaxing, performing, partying, playing, and of course making.
.
Throughout the indoor village, the will to express is tangible and the danger of having too many voices, too many visuals, is real. The architecture of De Hoop employs modest materials to unify these voices into an order that is respected, at least enough, not to require rules and enforcement. Material, proportion, light and repetition are used to balance order and chaos in a way that appeals to type of tenants we wanted to attract.
.
Making tenants part of the building process wasn’t just important for appearances. Creating a community was important and it needed to happen fast because of the project’s temporary nature. The involvement that was required from (prospective) tenants ensured that people got to know each-other quickly and it required some basic collaboration. These efforts, combined with the will to create, is what makes De Hoop flourish.
.
Now, thank’s to the tenants and their unstoppable will to create, De Hoop has become an inspiring place for anyone. Surprise, creativity, and inspiration can be found behind every door and around every corner.
