the question
In 2016, the Dutch Auschwitz Committee, in collaboration with the Polish-Jewish architect Daniel Libeskind, unveiled the design for the Dutch Holocaust Memorial. This national monument, located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter, honours the more than 102,000 Dutch victims of the Holocaust.
The Dutch Auschwitz Committee approached us to coordinate the design process, the permitting procedures, and the technical development of the monument. Design firm Rijnboutt was responsible for the urban integration and landscape design, while Studio Libeskind remained responsible for the aesthetic guidance.
the approach
Drawing on our knowledge of local construction practices and our background as designers, we assisted Studio Libeskind with the technical development and construction of this monument. The monument’s eventual completion was preceded by a complex process that spanned five years.
Every change or addition, from extra names to lamps and fences, and every minor obstacle along the way was immediately incorporated into the model.
By providing 3D models and detailed drawings, we were able to illustrate the implications for all external consultants involved. Since the focus had to remain entirely on the monument, all necessary but distracting technical elements had to be subtly concealed. Throughout the process, we worked closely with Studio Libeskind to find the best solution in every instance.
We were in weekly contact with Studio Libeskind to ensure that we stayed as close as possible to the essence of the design. Boltt wanted to know exactly which design aspects were important so that proposed changes that did not meet these criteria could be rejected by the project team right away, allowing us to quickly seek a better solution. The time difference between New York and Amsterdam worked in our favour; issues raised in the afternoon often received a response the very next day, Dutch time.
“It was an honour to develop the technical details of Studio Libeskind’s stunning design. The monument’s detailing was executed with great care and attention, and I am incredibly proud to have contributed to it.”
Margret van den Broek, Senior Technical Designer at Boltt
The result
The National Holocaust Memorial has been completed, to the great satisfaction of all parties. The memorial appears deceptively simple. The four Hebrew characters seem to float above the brick walls engraved with names, but the massive letters, weighing a total of 150 tons, are supported by just 26 columns.
The monument has received much praise for its refined and high-quality craftsmanship, thanks in no small part to the contractor, Koninklijke Woudenberg. All attention is focused on the victims and their families. It has been an honour to work on this project!
client
Dutch Auschwitz Committee
year
2016–2021
services
BIM Design
Project Coordination
Image
Photography by Kees Hummel
collaboration
Studio Libeskind, Rijnboutt, BOUWERY, ABT, AIP Partners, Aumento B.V., IMd Consulting Engineers, Koninklijke Woudenberg, Vekemans Masonry Consulting, Reijnders Engraving and Laser Technology B.V., Rijnboutt, Swart Installation Technology
Looking for technical precision?
Whether it involves large, bold letters or an elegant facade, we provide the technical design to support it. Would you like to know more?
Call Jurriën at 06 – 14 85 35 74
Or feel free to email jurrien@boltt.nu
More work we're proud of at
{"post_type":"case","posts_per_page":"4","post_status":"publish","ignore_sticky_posts":true,"order":"DESC","orderby":"date","s":"","tax_query":[{"taxonomy":"service","field":"term_id","terms":[3,4,6,5]}],"post__not_in":[187]}
