This article is part of our ongoing series on the Top 10 Architecture Firms around the world.
There are few countries that have contributed as much to the field of architecture in the last century as The Netherlands. From the work of Hendrik Petrus Berlage and the advent of modernism to the Amsterdam School, Expressionism, and the widely-popular De Stijl; these movements laid the foundations for contemporary Dutch architecture which has produced some of the world’s largest and most innovative companies.
The Top 10 isn’t a ranking; just a collection of what I feel are the best firms in the country based on their perceived reputation and personal opinion. I’d personally like to thank the firms that participated in providing us with the information we used in preparing this article. With that said, here are my picks for The Top 10 Architecture Firms in The Netherlands.
MVRDV
I think one of the best things you can say about MVRDV is that their buildings create this incredible sense of wonder when you step inside them. Their approach to design is highly research-based which results in very unique solutions like this futuristic library in Tianjin (pictured) and this art-entertainment complex in Seoul.
Founded in 1993 by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries, MVRDV is based in Rotterdam but is working on projects all over the globe. Currently under construction is their otherworldly Art Depot at the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen in Rotterdam, set to be completed in 2021.
OMA
Working within the boundaries of architecture and urbanism, OMA and its think tank AMO have produced some of the most canonical works of architecture and texts of the last quarter-century. Synonymous for their innovative designs that reconsider the traditional functions of space and program, the company continues to produce excellent works of architecture like the new Qatar National Library in Doha and this residential tower in Stockholm.
Founded in 1975 by Rem Koolhaas and Elia Zenghelis, OMA is based in Rotterdam with a global presence in Hong Kong, New York, Beijing, Doha, Dubai, and Queensland. Nearing completion is there spectacular design for the Taipei Performing Arts Centre in Taiwan.
UNStudio
What I find most compelling about UNStudio is that they are equal-parts progressive and sensible to the realities of the built environment. Their designs are organic and fluid, using the latest materials and technologies while recognizing that the buildings they produce must be healthy and adaptive to future-proof them to a world of consistently shifting landscapes. I think their work on the Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart (pictured) and this Marina & Clubhouse in Zhongshan are great examples of this kind of thinking.
Founded over 30 years ago by Ben van Berkel and Caroline Bos, the company is based in Amsterdam with global offices in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt. Currently in the works is the grand Lyric Theatre Complex in Hong Kong.
Mecanoo
Mecanoo are masters in the art of placemaking. Often working at the largest scales of building, their designs are thoughtful in terms of their cultural setting, place and time. This can be seen in their vision for the world’s largest performing arts centre in Taiwan (pictured) and this stunning cultural centre in Shenzhen.
Founded in 1984, Mecanoo’s overall team includes architects, engineers, interior designers, urban planners, landscape architects, and architectural technicians. In the works is their mixed-use development for Grand Central Frankfurt.
Neutelings Riedijk Architects
Founded by Willem Jan Neutelings and Michiel Riedijk in 1992, the Rotterdam-based practice is well-known for its evocative use of materials and sculptural forms. Recognizing that much of their work is open to the public, the use of materials and forms often provide a sense of identity and understanding for its users. This can be seen in projects like the Institute for Sound and Vision (pictured) which features a colourful glass facade with panels that depict historical stills of iconic Dutch television.
One of their most celebrated works, the MAS City History Museum in Antwerp, is a remarkable sixty-metre-high tower situated in the city’s old harbour area. Its unique composition and use of hand-quarried Indian stone provides users with an intimate setting and dramatic views of the city as you transcend its rotating galleries.
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Design Erick van Egeraat
Design Erick van Egeraat has produced some of Europe’s most elegant and strikingly-complex buildings. With an eye towards beauty and material strength, the studio is consistently engaged in projects that have a rich historical context like the Main Building and Auditorium at Leipzig University (pictured).
The practice has offices in Rotterdam, Moscow, Prague, and Budapest.
NL Architects
NL Architects bring out a playful side of architecture that isn’t seen nearly enough in contemporary practice. Their early work, like this wavy apartment in Almere, is an example of how their creativity can push the traditional limits of what a building can be. More recently, they’ve completed an apartment building in Amsterdam (pictured) and a clubhouse for 3 different sports clubs in Rotterdam which demonstrates their ability to produce mature designs that stay true to who they are.
The highly-anticipated opening of the Groningen Forum later this year is another strong indication that NL Architects are capable of packaging ‘fun’ at a scale that is equally aware of its social and environmental responsibilities.
SeARCH
I first became enamoured with SeARCH following the completion of their Villa Vals project (pictured) in Switzerland; a home embedded into the mountain-side, offering a unique experience into alpine living. SeARCH’s projects are landscapes at heart; an exploration of the relationship between a building and its site – and they always seem to give more nature back than when they started.
The iconic Iceberg housing in Aarhus (in collaboration with JDS, CEBRA, and Louis Paillard) is another example of the company’s efforts to create buildings that are architectural landscapes.
Benthem Crouwel Architects
Benthem Crouwel Architects has designed some of the most recognizable and visited projects in The Netherlands. Much like their recently completed charity lottery building in Amsterdam, Benthem Crouwel’s work is rooted in the quintessential Dutch traditions of understatement and efficiency (while unafraid of being a little confronting as well).
Founded over 40 years ago, the company is known for its application of new technologies and methods of production to achieve a more user-friendly, sustainable, and maintenance-free experience. This can be seen in the projects like the famous Stedelijk Museum and North-South Metro Line in Amsterdam.
Powerhouse Company
Powerhouse Company is an emerging global architecture firm with studios in Rotterdam, Beijing, Oslo, and Munich. Their work is generous, combining elements of craftsmanship and site-specific influences to create buildings with a unique presence. Designed in collaboration with Dutch practice De Zwarte Hond, the Erasmus Pavilion (pictured) creates a new social hub for university students, staff, and visitors to come together.
Currently under construction is the Çanakkale Antenna in Western Turkey, a visitors centre and multimedia broadcasting tower that celebrates the surrounding nature it’s situated in.
Toughest Omissions
With so many inspiring companies to select from, I felt that it was unfair to not also mention the work of the companies listed below. I’ve provided links to their websites below and would encourage you to discover their work as well:
