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National Monument Kamp Amersfoort

By : Tinker imagineers & National Monument Kamp Amersfoort

GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 15th edition

Discipline : Interior Design : Grand Winner

Categories : Culture, Sport & Leisure / Museum & Gallery : Gold Certification, Platinum Winner

The brief was to activate visitors and make them aware that the story touches on universal themes that are as relevant today as they were 75 years ago. It should be about remembrance, warning, understanding, and hope. Tinker imagineers (concept and exhibition design) collaborated closely with Inbo (architecture), Juurlink+Geluk (landscape) and National Monument Kamp Amersfoort. Resulting in a new museum in which the history becomes palpable: the oppression, injustice, and the fear.

Visitors descend the stairs and enter an immense, modestly furnished room, located underneath the former camp. The play on contrasts, the use of materials and original elements recall the atmosphere of the past. This is reinforced by the transition from light to dark and back to light. Its history and the current site show many contradictions. Right and wrong, life and death, remembering and forgetting. These contrasts formed the starting point for the design principles, and have been incorporated into the architecture, landscape, and exhibition space. Natural materials in black, white, and shades of grey prevail. In contrast to this sober colour scheme, warm materials and light in different colour temperatures give the space a comfortable feel. The visual style is also in line. Photography versus graphic patterns, black versus white.

From numbers to names

The impressive black and white video footage reveals what life in the camp was like. A large map shows the transports of prisoners coming in and going out. They were seen and treated as mere numbers. But regain their names and faces through gigantic portraits printed on pillars. Their belongings are displayed in the drawers below the images, and their personal stories can be heard. These gigantic images introduce the visitors to the individuals who played important roles in and around the camp. They light up when the drawers are opened, and the contrast with the black and white portrait wall at the back of the room is striking.

Then and now

The exhibition also links to the injustice carried out in our times. On the back of the columns, important camp themes are listed, such as hunger, and discrimination – still quite common today. In addition, a social experiment confronts visitors with uncomfortable dilemmas. They experience the effects of peer pressure, authority, and trust. The programme, called Right or Wrong, uses Virtual Reality to address current issues that take on special meaning in the context of the museum.

Room for contemplation

At the end, there is room for reflection on the past and the visitor’s own role in contemporary dilemmas. The footprints on the floor – a recurring theme, both inside and out – refer to the roll call and are at right angles to a mirror wall that can be written on. One's own reflection, subtle light projections and smoke effects strengthen this feeling of contemplation. What have I just experienced?

Collaboration

Interior Designer : Tinker imagineers

Architect : Inbo

Landscape Architecture : Juurlink+Geluk

Other : National Monument Kamp Amersfoort

National Monument Kamp Amersfoort

By : Tinker imagineers & National Monument Kamp Amersfoort

GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 15th edition

The project in images

INT.DESIGN Magazine

National Monument Kamp Amersfoort

By : Tinker imagineers & National Monument Kamp Amersfoort

GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 15th edition

The project in images

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