The recent opening of the new Hermès store in Amsterdam, nestled within MVRDV's iconic Crystal Houses, marks a significant collaboration between architectural vision and interior design prowess. While MVRDV’s striking façade, a testament to their innovative approach to transparent brickwork, has rightly garnered considerable attention (as evidenced by the numerous articles focusing on MVRDV Reopens Crystal Houses with New Tenant and Facade; MVRDV’s Crystal Houses Re; MVRDV reopens Crystal Houses for Hermès even; and MVRDV's transparent brick store in Amsterdam re…), the subtle yet impactful interior design by Bureau de Binnenstad deserves equal recognition. Their work transcends mere decoration; it’s a thoughtful dialogue with MVRDV’s architectural language, enhancing and reinterpreting the existing structure to create a unique retail experience. This article delves into the complexities of Bureau de Binnenstad’s contribution, exploring how their design choices amplify the building's inherent qualities and establish a distinct brand identity for Hermès within this remarkable setting.
The Crystal Houses themselves represent a bold architectural statement. MVRDV’s masterful use of transparent bricks, a seemingly simple material, creates a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior. This inherent ambiguity, a defining characteristic of the building, forms the foundation upon which Bureau de Binnenstad’s interior design strategy is built. Rather than competing with the architectural dynamism, the interior design complements and enhances it, creating a harmonious synergy between the two.
One of the most impactful interventions by Bureau de Binnenstad is the strategic removal of an interior wall. This seemingly simple act has profound consequences, dramatically altering the spatial experience and revealing a previously hidden aspect of MVRDV’s design. Before the intervention, the interplay between the glass bricks and the terracotta elements – a key feature of the Crystal Houses’ aesthetic – remained largely obscured from the visitor's perspective. The wall acted as a barrier, preventing a full appreciation of the subtle dissolving effect where these two materials meet. By removing this wall, Bureau de Binnenstad opened the floor plan, allowing natural light to penetrate deeper into the space and providing an unobstructed view of this fascinating material interaction. This decision isn't merely about improving sightlines; it's about revealing the inherent beauty of the building's construction, highlighting the craftsmanship and the considered design choices that went into its creation.
The impact of this single architectural intervention reverberates throughout the entire design. The removal of the wall not only enhances the visual experience but also fundamentally alters the spatial flow. The expanded floor plan allows for a more fluid and intuitive movement through the store, encouraging exploration and discovery. This contrasts with a more traditional retail layout, where compartmentalized spaces might lead to a more fragmented and less engaging customer journey. By prioritizing openness and transparency, Bureau de Binnenstad aligns the Hermès brand experience with the architectural ethos of the Crystal Houses, creating a cohesive and consistent narrative.
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