The Art Gallery of Nijmegen: fostering close connections between buildings, artists and visitors through renovation and change of use

Master thesis (2021)

Authors

R.C. Singotani Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

P.E.L.J.C. Vermeulen Situated Architecture - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
L.G.A.J. Reinders Situated Architecture - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
J.D. Fokkinga Architectural Engineering - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2021 Roséane Cathy Singotani
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Published Date

05-11-2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

The design assignment is located in Molenstraat, Nijmegen, and involves interventions through two existing buildings. Finding place in both a historical building (the Parish Hall built in the 19th century) and an obsolete building (the Molenpoort shopping center built in the seventies) this project seeks for the specific interventions needed for renovation and transformation to enhance future use. This developed through both valuing the Parish Hall with its monumental façade and further ornaments of the past, and valuing the Molenpoort with its re-usable concrete structure. This juxtaposition of different interventions resulted in a sustainable, yet sensitive approach; by extending the lifespan of the buildings and simultaneously respecting the historical layers. This similarly aligns with the key elements of the urban plan, in which the aim was to create intimate spaces and to create an engaging place for the community.

The overarching theme of the studio was Bricolage, in which ' using what comes at hand' played a central role. Starting with an assembly of different existing structures, the project seeked for an assembly in experiences as well by the concept of a meandering route throughout both buildings. This project seeks close connections between the regarding buildings, artists and visitors by introducing the artist-in-residence program into the art gallery. This artists-in-residence program contributes to the mission of the art gallery: to bridge cultural boundaries and to create awareness for inclusiveness of different cultures. Hereby, the goal is to reach public engagement and access to art and artists of different cultures. By the artist-in-residence program, artists of different nationalities come together and contribute to the concept of this art gallery: to create, exhibit and share. As the regarding site developed beforehand as an assembly of different purposes, typologies and time, this architectural proposal aims to continue within this evolution of the site.