Doepel Strijkers

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman

Camp Vught National Memorial 

DoepelStrijkers

ARCHITECTS
Doepelstrijkers

BUILDING MANAGEMENT
Alsemgeest Design & Build, Rotterdam

BUILDING MANAGEMENT
Alsemgeest Design & Build

CLIENT
Camp Vught National Memorial

MANUFACTURERS
Hunter Douglas Architectural (Europe), Bruynzeel Storage Systems, Drt Vloeren, Glasdesign, Hunter Douglas

DESIGN TEAM
Duzan Doepel, Eline Strijkers With Kasper Zoet, Mikolai Brus, Riekie Brokking, Francesco Catanese

PHOTOGRAPHS
Teo Krijgsman

AREA
1600 M²

YEAR
2019

LOCATION
Vught, The Netherlands

CATEGORY
Memorial Center

Text description provided by architect.

In 2002 a small part of the original SS concentration camp Vught was restored as National Museum.

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman
Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman

The entrance building is conceived as a wall that shields the restored camp from the outside world.

The different spaces in the building each have their own space ratio, daylight entry and in a limited number of cases a view of the sky or the old camp remains.

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman
Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman

Nature or camp are thereby framed, creating a form of alienation and reflection.

For DoepelStrijkers, the modesty, the visual relationship and minimal impact on the surrounding landscape, formed the point of departure for the design.

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman
Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman

In 2018, due to increased numbers of visitors, the museum board decided to expand and renew the existing building designed by Claus and Kaan.

DoepelStrijkers was asked to design the New NMKV. The new permanent exhibition was designed by Perspekt.

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman
Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman

The assignment for DoepelStrijkers included an extension of the existing museum, a new layout and integration of technology for the existing museum rooms and the reorganization of the reception area of ​​the museum with a stronger connection between the various entrance areas.

The reception area has been completely renewed with a reception desk, the shop and the museum cafe and a number of related functions such as a meeting room and toilets.

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman
Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman

The extension is connected to the reception area and is conceived as a solid block which is pressed into the ground at the rear of the existing building.

As a result, the volume looks smaller than it is, and it occupies a modest place in the outside area.

A horizontal cut is made through the volume at ground level, and the two halves are pulled apart, visually creating a heavy roof that floats just above ground level.

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman
Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman

Visitors look through the window at ground level, this combined with the heavy volume above creates a sense of alienation.

Conceptually, the volume should be made of solid concrete, but for environmental reasons a light steel construction with modular wooden façade elements was chosen.

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman
Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman

By finishing the wooden façade inside and outside with a thin concrete plaster, the volume looks like a heavy monolithic mass.

A wide tribune staircase bridges the difference in height with the existing building. The extension is subdivided into three small rooms, and a large area equal in width to the tribune staircase.

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman
Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman

A sliding wall makes it possible to close off the large area from the tribune and corridor zone, but also to turn it into an auditorium for special events.

In addition to these main rooms, the extension includes toilets and a room for volunteers.

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman
Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman

The extension is modestly materialized in pure materials such as wood, concrete and aluminum. Second hand aluminum panels were harvested from another project for the ceiling and cladding of the tribune staircase.

The minimalist, modest and sober use of materials contributes to the narrative of NMKV. The visitor experience and the transfer of the stories of the camp prisoners are central.

Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
© Teo Krijgsman


Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
Concept volume diagram


Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
Concept diagram


Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
Iso diagram
Camp Vught National Memorial / DoepelStrijkers
Floor plan

Doepel Strijkers
T +31 10 273 3158
Doepel Strijkers
Calandstraat 14-16, 3016 CB Rotterdam, Netherlands