Public Talk: Contextualism By MVRDV

MVRDV is a globally operating firm based in the Netherlands, dedicated to innovative architecture and urban design. The title of the lecture is “Contextualism”. The nomads of global architecture jet from city to city and realize remarkable works. How is the local context and identity maintained in this global field? MVRDV is currently working on a series of highly contextual projects that not only respect local tradition and history but also reflect upon it and develop it further without being nostalgic. Sometimes with great respect to small reminders of the past as in Bastide Niel in Bordeaux, sometimes with a humoristic approach towards the grand history of a Dutch World Heritage Site in Zaandam. Jan Knikker explains the concepts behind some of MVRDV’s recent more contextual works.