Makers Museum: the contemporary continuation of Katoenveem

Katoenveem is a warehouse which was built specifically for the storage and transshipment of cotton bales. From 1919 to 1964 Katoenveem was used for the storage and transshipment of cotton. Thereby it was related to the water and its surrounding area. Over time the building lost its original function and its connection to the surrounding area. In 2002 the building got listed as a national monument. Although between 1964 and 2002 the building was sometimes occupied it never got a new permanent or long-term function and has been vacant for some years now. This project proposes a design for the adaptive reuse of the old cotton warehouse. The research question of the project is: How can Katoenveem be adapted to accommodate a new cultural function that fits within the context while keeping its historical and cultural values? This research question is answered according to two strategies: contemporary continuation and mixed program. The mixed program ensures a connection to the surrounding area and its (future) needs while the contemporary continuation ensures the preservation of historical and cultural values. The original ideas and design are translated to contemporary needs. By using the original layout and a modular system this project refers to the past while also thinking about the future.Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Heritage & Architectur