Westergasfabriek wins Europa Nostra Award
The Westergasfabriek industrial heritage site in Amsterdam has won the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards in the ‘Conservation’ category. The jury commended the eco-friendly renovation and adventurous interpretation that has successfully revived this former industrial estate.
Impressing the jury
The jury report particularly appreciated the designers’ conception of a durable and simple renovation in order to maintain the industrial character of the gasworks. “The high quality of the immediate vicinity creates visual cohesion between different parts of the complex and the buildings. The new function of the Westergasfabriek suits the project well and the whole area is now a successful public area. It is an excellent example of both clear vision and the management of a cooperative venture between government, business and creative endeavours. In a European context, the Westergasfabriek is a model for the implementation of new creative, social and cultural life into an industrial heritage site.”
The prize consists of € 10,000 and a bronze plaque, which will be given a permanent location at the entrance to the Gashouder building. Prizes were awarded to a total of 29 European projects, including four from the Netherlands.
Europa Nostra
Europa Nostra represents hundreds of organisations and government institutions from 50 countries that are committed to the preservation of European heritage. It has been presenting the annual Europa Nostra Awards to exceptional renovation projects since 1978. The awards are based on carefully composed dossiers which are evaluated by a scientific jury of heritage experts, including architects, restaurateurs and art historians. Over the years, the programme has presented awards to many high-profile examples of conservation, management and interpretation of European heritage. Examples vary from famous sites such as La Scala in Milan (winner in 2005), to less well-known location such as the wooden Kesälahti church tower in Finland (winner in 2009).
Westergasfabriek
MAB Development bought the 13 buildings (16,500 m²) on the grounds of the Westergasfabriek (13.5 hectares) from the municipality of Amsterdam in 2000. It renovated the industrial heritage site, half of the buildings on which are on the list of national monuments and historic buildings, and helped what started out as a temporary function become a flourishing urban entertainment centre. In addition to the renovation of the existing buildings, the grounds include 3,500 m² of new construction. Meyer Bergman has owned the Westergasfabriek since 2005.
www.westergasfabriek.nl
www.europanostra.org