The story of another building - 65 years of65 years of the municipal orphanage

The Burgerweeshuis on the IJsbaanpad in Amsterdam was designed by Aldo van Eyck in 1955 to provide shelter for orphans. Completed in 1960, the complex was the epitome of innovative architecture at the time. The building consists of intertwined indoor and outdoor spaces that blur the boundary between building and city.

‍

The orphanage looks like a kasbah or even a labyrinth, which reveals the influence of Van Eyck's fascination with African architecture. The experience he had gained in designing many playgrounds is also reflected in the design. It will be a building without a hierarchy, with surprising materials and colors and an unprecedented floor plan.

‍

Over time, the orphans leave the building and the building becomes mostly empty. When the building slowly crumbles, the plan arose in the 1980s to demolish part of the Citizen Orphanage. A massive campaign, which has received acclaim from around the world, prevents demolition. The Netherlands then rediscovered a post-war monument.

‍

Rescue of the complex is possible because a project developer is found who wants to buy the building and the site. In 2014, the project was designated a national monument and subsequently, in 2015, the building was made suitable for housing various offices. In 2018, area developer BPD moved into the building after a thorough renovation that focuses on the historical value of the building.

‍

In 2025, the Citizen Orphanage will be 65 years old, but it is far from retiring. The exhibition The story of another building - 65 years of the Civic Orphanage shows the ideas prior to the realization, construction and use, but above all the changes and stories of one of the most unique buildings in architectural history.

‍