Superdutch: new architecture in the netherlands
- London Thames and Hudson 2000
- 264p.
The book explores the work of prominent Dutch architects from the 1990s, including OMA, MVRDV, and UNStudio. It is a critical examination of the cultural and political context behind this architectural movement.
"SuperDutch: New Architecture in the Netherlands" by Bart Lootsma is a critical and celebratory look at the wave of innovative and experimental architecture that emerged from the Netherlands in the 1990s. The book, published in 2000, documents a period where Dutch architecture gained international acclaim for its bold, often radical, and conceptually driven designs. Lootsma examines how this "SuperDutch" phenomenon, led by firms like OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture), MVRDV, UNStudio, and Mecanoo, broke away from traditional architectural conventions.
Lootsma's analysis goes beyond a simple portfolio, exploring the unique cultural and political context that enabled this architectural explosion. He highlights how a pragmatic approach to design, coupled with a belief in architecture's ability to be a social and intellectual force, allowed architects to experiment with unconventional forms, materials, and urban strategies. The book features a wide range of projects, from large-scale urban masterplans and housing developments to cultural buildings and experimental designs. It's a foundational text for understanding the "Dutch Wave" and its lasting influence on contemporary global architecture.
0500341788
Urban planning -- Netherlands Red Cabin Architecture, Modern -- 20th century