At the core of Amsterdam\u2019s<\/strong><\/a> 25,000-square-meter redevelopment of the Van Gendt Hallen stands the DRIFT Museum<\/strong><\/a>, a purpose-built cultural space dedicated to the Dutch art duo DRIFT<\/strong><\/a>. Designed by architecture firm zU-studio<\/strong><\/a>, the project transforms<\/strong><\/a> five monumental 19th-century factory halls into a dynamic destination where art, architecture, and sustainability converge. This extensive adaptive reuse initiative not only preserves a significant piece of Dutch industrial heritage but reimagines it as a future-proof, energy-neutral landmark for contemporary culture.<\/p>\n Van Gendthallen, outside view. Rendering by C\u00e9line Laurand.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The DRIFT Museum occupies 8,000 square meters within the historic complex, representing the culmination of 18 years of work by artists Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta. Conceived as more than a display space, the museum translates DRIFT\u2019s artistic language into architecture, creating an environment that resonates with their vision at the intersection of art, technology, and nature. Architect Javier Zubiria, founder of Amsterdam-based firm<\/strong><\/a> zU-studio, describes the museum as \u2018a dialogue between art and architecture\u2019,<\/em> emphasizing that the building itself becomes part of the experience.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The design approach draws inspiration from DRIFT\u2019s Materialism series, resulting in a volumetric composition of materials where every surface and spatial gesture reflects conceptual clarity. Spaces contract and expand to accommodate different works, while maintaining a neutral and serene atmosphere that allows art to remain the protagonist. Fluid sequences of rooms, punctuated by dynamic visual connections, invite visitors to experience art as a continuous journey rather than isolated moments.<\/p>\n Van Gendt Hallen Central Avenue, main hall with Tree of Tener\u00e9 by DRIFT. Architecture by zU studio. Rendering C\u00e9line Laurand.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The Van Gendt Hallen \u2014 an industrial complex built between 1898 and 1905 for train and engine production \u2014 had faced possible demolition before entrepreneur Eduard Zanen initiated its preservation. Today, the five interconnected halls are being reimagined as a multifunctional cultural and social hub featuring office spaces, apartments, a restaurant, event venues, and the DRIFT Museum. The redevelopment integrates energy-neutral strategies and innovative restoration techniques, positioning the complex as a national monument for the future.<\/p>\n A central avenue runs through the entire site, creating a connective spine for the various programs. Among the standout additions is the BOK pavilion, the only external projection from the original fa\u00e7ade. Designed by Braaksma & Roos Architects, the structure offers a unique waterfront entry point, while zU-studio\u2019s interior concept introduces a transformative circular furniture element that shifts from communal seating by day to a sculptural chandelier by night.<\/p>\n Van Gendt Hallen Central Avenue, main hall with Tree of Tener\u00e9 by DRIFT. Architecture by zU studio. Rendering C\u00e9line Laurand.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The museum shop extends the conceptual language of the exhibition areas, with modular display blocks and brushed stainless steel finishes that echo DRIFT\u2019s design sensibility. Similarly, the restaurant, located adjacent to the hall showcasing DRIFT\u2019s Tree of Tener\u00e9, embraces a light and transparent architecture, referencing the studio\u2019s iconic Fragile Future series in its organic flow and detailing.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Beyond static exhibitions, the museum architecture supports flexible activation for performances and large-scale events, underscoring its role as a living cultural institution rather than a fixed container for art.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n BOK Cafeteria & Event space. Architecture by zU-studio. Rendering by C\u00e9line Laurand.<\/p>\n BOK Cafeteria & Event space. Architecture by zU-studio. Rendering by C\u00e9line Laurand.<\/p>\n BOK Cafeteria & Event space. Architecture by zU-studio. Rendering by C\u00e9line Laurand.<\/p>\n DRIFT Museum, Reception desk and main entry. Architecture by zU studio. Rendering by C\u00e9line Laurand.<\/p>\n DRIFT Museum, Art space for Drifters. Architecture by zU studio. Rendering by C\u00e9line Laurand.<\/p>\n DRIFT Museum, Art space for Drifters. Architecture by zU studio. Rendering by C\u00e9line Laurand.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \nproject info:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \nname:<\/strong> Van Gendt Hallen & DRIFT Museum\u00a0 location:<\/strong> Eastern Amsterdam, the Netherlands<\/p>\n size:<\/strong> 25,000 sqm<\/p>\n The post DRIFT museum anchors transformation of amsterdam\u2019s van gendt hallen by zU-studio<\/a> appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" VAN GENDT HALLEN & DRIFT MUSEUM ARCHITECTURE by zU-studio At the core of Amsterdam\u2019s 25,000-square-meter redevelopment of the Van Gendt Hallen stands the DRIFT Museum, a purpose-built cultural space dedicated to the Dutch art duo … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[142],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nA dialogue between art and architecture<\/h2>\n
Reviving the Van Gendt Hallen<\/h2>\n
Experiential spaces: museum shop and restaurant<\/h2>\n
\narchitects: <\/strong>zU-studio
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n