BNA building of the year 2008
Out of seventy-six likely candidates the apartment complex La Grande Cour in Amsterdam, designed by Meyer en Van Schooten Architecten, Heren 5 architecten en de Architekten Cie. is declared the BNA building of the year 2008 region North west/Central(BNA Gebouw van het Jaar 2008 Regio Noordwest/Centrum).
The jury, under the direction of Belgiums master builder bOb van Reeth, was unanimous in their judgment and spoke of the building as a jewel produced by the architectural profession, by giving new life/meaning to the typology of the nineteenth century in a spectacular and civilized manner.
An extract from thejury report states: 'La Grande Cour stands out as an outstanding monument on the pivot(ing point) in the city and gives from within a metropolitan experience unmatched. It was as if the jury found itself abroad, such phenomenon vistas were given by the three dimensional landscapes of the inner courtyards. Gaps/openings in the elevations let the outer world inside. A good building completed with a high level of craftsmanship and attention for design, extends to the smallest detail. The winner rewrites history.'
La Grande Cour along with four other nominees is now eligible for the national first prize BNA Building of the Year 2008 (BNA Gebouw van het Jaar 2008). This prize will be announced on April 24th in Hilversum. The jury consists of bOb van Reeth (chairman of the jury), Vera Yanovshtchinsky, Michaela Stegerwald, Gertjan Prins and Noud de Vreeze.