Diederendirrix architects

This monograph presents the work of the diederendirrix architecture firm (Paul Diederen and Bert Dirrix) over the last decade. Typical themes in their work are the transformation of large industrial buildings such as the Witte Dame (White Lady) complex in Eindhoven, cultural accommodation and other community amenities such as the Dynamo sports and music complex in Eindhoven and the Patronaat theatre and concert hall in Haarlem, and the problem of unusual residential typologies in urban areas.
Hans Ibelings outlines and analyses the bureau’s modus operandi: two design teams work alongside each other on separate projects, but for some projects partly or wholly join forces. Ibelings also examines the divergent approaches of Diederen and Dirrix to the commission, design and process. The individual oeuvres of the bureau’s two principals are analysed in contributions by Jos Bosman, Madeleine Maaskant and Giampiero Sanguigni, exploring the parallels and overlaps between them.
The volume provides a comprehensive presentation in word and image of projects by the two partners. The personal statements of Dirrix and Diederen articulate and illustrate their predilections, fascinations and interests in the realm of architecture and beyond.
This book showcases the work of architects who rightly deserve more attention in the Netherlands and beyond, while also shedding light on how their divergent approaches are mutually reinforcing.