Bruynzeel is a Dutch timber factory where doors and flooring were produced. The factory became famous for its fabrication of pencils and kitchens (so they don’t just produce doors and flooring?). The facility with its buildings and its public space was designed as a coherent ensemble by Jan Wils in 1958. The re-use of the factory is envisioned as a retail centre. To prevent the public space being dominated by cars, all parking is efficiently organised over four stories in the smallest hall of the factory. The retail program is spread over two stories in the longest hall. The central hall gives space to public-oriented program. The function of this roof-lit passage changes during the day from supply, market hall, festival space and sports hall to event space. Bridges and stairs connect the three halls and is also used as terraces, restaurants or a place for a DJ’s turntable.
Location: Zaandam, The Netherlands Client: Converse Development Corporation Program: Retail centre Area: 45.920 m2 Status: study Team: Paulien Bremmer, Joost Huyzer, Jarrik Ouburg (OJO), Victor Verhagen