© Molenaar & Co. architecten/Bas Kooij
Molenaar & Co architecten (Rotterdam), Hebly Theunissen architecten (Delft), and landscape architect Michael van Gessel (Amsterdam) have won the 2016 World Monuments Fund/ Knoll Modernism Prize for the preservation and rehabilitation of the Justus van Effen complex in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Originally designed by Michiel Brinkman in 1919-1921 and completed in 1922, the Justus van Effen complex is a strong example of the ideals embodied in the modern movement, particularly with its use of an elevated “street” as a means of facilitating social cohesion, which became very influential for subsequent generations of designers.
© Molenaar & Co. architecten
© Molenaar & Co. architecten/Bas Kooij
The recent preservation of this site is a part of the revitalization of Rotterdam’s Spangen neighborhood, which has been transformed from dangerous to livable and affordable over the past 20 years.
© Molenaar & Co. architecten/Bas Kooij
© Healy Theunissen architecten
The project additionally reflects the commitment of the property’s owner—Woonstad Rotterdam—to the preservation of the complex for future generations.
© Molenaar & Co. architecten/Bas Kooij
© Molenaar & Co. architecten/Bas Kooij
© Molenaar & Co. architecten/Bas Kooij
The biennial award will be presented at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York on December 5 at a free and public event.
© Molenaar & Co. architecten/Bas Kooij
© Molenaar & Co. architecten/Bas Kooij
Learn more about the award winner here.
News via the World Monuments Fund.
Sig Nordal 
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