Radio Mecanoo: The transformation of De Nederlandsche Bank

In the podcast Radio Mecanoo, Sandra Rottenberg explores current social issues in which architects play a crucial role, such as urban resilience, sustainable development and inclusive design. For the episode about the transition of De Nederlandsche Bank – from closed bastion to publicly accessible building – she spoke to Violette Schönberger, author of Paradijs van imperfectie. Where did thinking about public space begin?

For weeks, drills were turning to get through the thick walls of the vault of De Nederlandsche Bank. That vault will now become the new entrance to De Nederlandsche Bank in Mecanoo’s design.

Marinus Duintjer’s design, completed in 1968, was not exactly loved by Amsterdam residents. The building was perceived as too big, too tall and too modern on the edge of the old city centre. It was also closed off with fences, rocks and ever-increasing surveillance. Here, a huge vault held the gold reserves, paper money and securities that keep the Dutch economy going.

A separation of functions made it possible to reopen the building to the public. Where the glass Palace of Industry once stood, Francine Houben and Mecanoo Architecten want to bring back a palace for the people, accessible to everyone, in the middle of a park and with a publicly accessible jetty on the water of the Singelgracht. Sandra Rottenberg was allowed an advance look and spoke to, among others: Klaas Knot, Francine Houben, Maaike van Leuken and Hermano van Velzen, Amsterdam’s homeless poet.

Listen to the episode on Spotify!

The podcast series is conducted in Dutch.
Presentation: Sandra Rottenberg. Music: Teun Grondman (piano) and Derek Lugtenberg (guitar). Technique: Berry Kamer.

Want to know more about the most iconic projects from Mecanoo’s oeuvre? Then also read the book Mecanoo. People, Place, Purpose, Poetry, available from the nai010 webshop.