Fokkema & Companions created a contemporary and industrial area that also holds heat for the Cath Spec Suites in Utrecht, Netherlands.
The Cath, from non-space to sense of place
An unknown, architecturally compromised constructing at a outstanding location. A constructing with non-spaces that requires new cohesion and rediscovery of which means. Who dares to breathe life again into this distinctive place? And is that this in any respect potential in a sustainable approach? Timeless Investments dared the redevelopment within the coronary heart of Utrecht and entrusted the design to architects IDEA and Fokkema & Companions.IDEA restored unity to the constructing with respect for its unique structure. The historic constructing quantity from the Nineteen Sixties is recognisable once more and is complemented by a glass construction on high of the constructing. The constructing named ‘the Cath’, is once more an interesting entity and on the identical time rigorously fitted throughout the city construction near Utrecht Central Station, which has been topic to appreciable growth lately.
Fokkema & Companions realised the inside and suggested on the visible and bodily connections within the design. The implementation of an entire and high-quality hospitality idea offers area for internet hosting, assembly, lunching and conferencing on this multi-tenant workplace. The power of the integral design comes from each architects’ ambition to collectively create a powerful spatial idea. By assembly one another on the interfaces between constructing and inside they grew to become inextricably linked.
Primarily based on this shared imaginative and prescient, the constructing’s many limitations will not be eradicated or glossed over however embraced and deployed as one thing distinctive and distinctive. The strategy is non-conformist, sincere and daring.
As an illustration, the huge current cores create closedness and a barrier between the constructing components. However by unlocking them with voids and open staircase connections, they’ve turn out to be a strong and recognisable ingredient within the constructing. Its profiling enhances the expertise of rawness and the multiplicity of concrete, with accentuating traces as cut-outs in black void edges.
The basement with the restaurant is characterised by a forest of undesirable, large columns. The columns will not be denied, however moderately strongly emphasised within the design. The interaction of traces on and between the columns makes the constructing construction readable and brings unity and connection. You now not have the sensation of being in a basement however in a energetic, city grand café. There’s intentionally an thrilling distinction within the design; on the one hand a sturdy end of the concrete and on the opposite heat sunny tones, comfortable materials, pure supplies reminiscent of wooden and a wealthy number of vegetation.
The expertise of a non-space is reworked right into a particular area with a minimal however highly effective design. You’ll not instantly oversee the entire, creating the likelihood to find and marvel.
The design is characterised without warning and dynamism; with speaking traces that join spatially, with glass elevators that shoot previous the central void, with vistas like in a doll’s home, with the addition of particular development within the type of cross columns, with an thrilling distinction between uncooked and high-quality, and with numerous inspiring locations the place you instantly get to know a bit of the constructing’s story. Above the espresso bar, for instance, the attribute concrete flooring of the present constructing is uncovered. You may also uncover inspiring references to ‘birds’ – a theme that has been with the constructing since its origins. On the façade, the unique mosaic of two birds is proven in its full potential once more, and within the central entrance corridor, a flock of birds brings inspiring lighting.
And this free and playful flight of birds symbolises exactly the optimistic stimulus that the constructing now unleashes; a way of freedom and alternatives.
Design: Fokkema & Companions
Constructing Architect: IDEA Ontwerp
Contractor: Pleijsierbouw
Images: Bram Vreugdenhil, Egbert de Boer