Architectural Design

1st ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design

Job No: PD0710-67/4028

Chapter 2 final_.qxd:layouts to chapter one 7/24/10 9:01 AM Page 42

The design process

NL Architects: Prisma housing

Case study

NL Architects is an Amsterdam-based office opened in

1997 and run by its three principals Pieter Bannenberg,

Walter van Dijk and Kamiel Klaasse. This case study

illustrates their approach to working with the restrictions

of a brief and their use of diagrams and models to

explore, test and record possible design solutions.

The project

NL Architects’ interest in everyday life does not lead them

towards mundane solutions for insignificant problems.

In fact, they are concerned with large issues that affect

everyone, such as how to improve human interaction within

the city. To achieve this they employ a design process

that plays with the restrictions of the brief until they create

something quite unexpected. Their apparently obedient and

relentless re-working of the permutations possible within the

brief leads to answers that are surprising and original.

Prisma is located within a post-Second World War housing

development of largely mid-rise apartments and open public

space. Much of the existing housing is considered sub-

standard for future needs. NL Architects’ topographical study

revealed that the original building, although in need of

renovation, has the distinction of being a rare, high-rise

element within a flat landscape. The excellent vistas from the

flats to landmarks beyond led to an idea to focus the design

on creating new balconies, which would further exploit this.

The balconies would also provide a fresh new skin to the

existing exterior. Many different permutations were tried for

these balconies, using models and diagrams, which explored

issues such as variations and locations of apartment types,

silhouette, volume, privacy for occupants, dynamic form,

maintenance access, equity of exterior space for occupants

and orientation towards the sun.

bottom right:

Diagram: balconies

This diagram explains the factors

influencing the development of the

form. The building stacks the largest

apartment types at the bottom and

the smaller ones above. Balconies

wrap around this stepped form, tying

it together. They are cut away to

maximise views and solar orientation.

They also vary in depth and length

to suit the type of apartment that

they serve. The proportions, form

and pattern produced by this

design process are controlled by

the architect, whose response is

both practical (logical) and aesthetic

(intuitive).

Name: Prisma

Completed: 2010

Client: Stichting

De Huismeesters,

Ed Moonen / Roelof Jong

Location: Groningen,

The Netherlands

Programme:

52 apartments and nursery

with consultation office

Height: 16 floors

Gross floor area: 8,650m^2

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Text

1st ProofTitle: BA: Architectural Design

Job No: PD0710-67/4028

Chapter 2 final_.qxd:layouts to chapter one 7/24/10 9:02 AM Page 42