MVRDV: Works and Projects 1991-2006

The work of the MVRDV architectural studio can be seen as a symbol for the important turning point in Dutch architecture which took place in the 1990s and which set in motion a radical transformation of the country.

MVRDV, established in 1990, is made up of architects who studied under Rem Koolhaas. The practice is one of the most brilliant and stimulating exponents of recent Dutch modernism. Through its successful projects, international competitions and publications, it has demonstrated a new and experimental way of understanding and designing the contemporary city. At the end of the 1990s it took the spotlight with the VPRO building in Hilversum and the WoZoCo’s special residential buildings in Amsterdam; these projects were supported contemporaneously by the theoretical contributions entitled Farmax and Metacity/Datatown. MVRDV then gained international critical renown with the Dutch Pavilion for the Hanover Expo. The studio is one of the most dynamic concept and design realities in contemporary architecture, able to produce both theory and design, and actively renew the key words and language of architecture in the context of a reality in deep transformation.

This design philosophy can be seen in MVRDV’s most recent works, such as the two houses for Borneo-Sporenburg, the Silodam building of overlapping villas in Amsterdam, the Hageneiland village in Ypenburg, the Central Library in Brabant and the recent residential complex built in Madrid.

This publication by Michele Costanzo examines the entire body of MVRDV design work and theory, from its beginnings to recent thought-provoking buildings. In addition, it offers the reader an original critical look at contemporary Dutch architecture.