Municipal Orphanage
Diego Terna

Municipal Orphanage

Aldo van Eyck as Architects

The former orphanage to IJsbaanpad in South Amsterdam was built in 1959-1960 by Aldo van Eyck, and is the first example of structuralism.


Aldo van Eyck it gained much respect at home and abroad. The building is made up of 328 small units, four single-layer large units, four large units with a floor and a rectangular volume containing the entrance. The different units are grouped around several patios and a courtyard.


The small module measuring 3.36 x 3.36 meters and have four round columns at the corners and a rounded roof, where the span between columns is made ​​by architraves. The facade consists of a glass wall or solid wall of brown brick. The domed roof elements are made of precast concrete, this caused a problem detailing at the lowest point of the roof. The large units have a length and width that is three times as large as that of the small units. The floors have a facade of precast concrete elements.


Van Eyck was guided by the motto: "a small world in a big, big world into a small house as a city, a city as a home, a home for children."


The orphanage to IJsbaanpad has been in use from 1960 to 1991. Previously, the Amsterdam Orphanage the building which is now the Amsterdam Museum (formerly the Amsterdam Historical Museum) is located. The building on the IJsbaanpad was extensively renovated in 1991 and has been in use for other destinations.


The name of the orphanage is to preserve this place as the street behind Burgerweeshuispad is known. The office complex located on this street Tripolis (1994) was also designed by Aldo van Eyck.​

Project Credits
Photographers
Product Spec Sheet

Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
27 Mar 2024 Specification
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete

Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More

Sameep Padora and Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
26 Mar 2024 News
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India

Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More

Introducing Partner Thermory AS
26 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Thermory AS

Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More

Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
25 Mar 2024 News
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality

Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
25 Mar 2024 Archello Awards
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury

Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More

Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture
21 Mar 2024 Detail
Detail: Pleated facade geometry of Bonfiglioli HQ by Peter Pichler Architecture

Designed by Peter Pichler Architecture, the new Bonfiglioli Headquarters is located in Calderara di... More

Introducing Partner Linea Light Group
21 Mar 2024 Partner News
Introducing Partner Linea Light Group

Linea Light Group is an Italian company known for its innovative lighting solutions. The company off... More

New infill apartment building in Prague reflects an industrial heritage
20 Mar 2024 News
New infill apartment building in Prague reflects an industrial heritage

Iconik is a residential apartment building in the Karlín neighborhood of Prague. Designed by... More