Kingspan : Creative city spotlight – Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam's south borough is a perfect example of the injection of modernity into Amsterdam. Built in 1973, the museum exhibits works by one of the The Netherland's most famous sons, Vincent van Gogh.
The museum has housed Van Gogh's works since the 1970s, but unlike the art inside, the building has undergone drastic changes.
A renovation beginning in 2013 saw the structure become the first museum in the world to be awarded the internationally recognised sustainability certificate, BREEAM-NL.
During renovation, GGH Architects faced the challenge of promoting sustainability and meeting increased fire safety requirements. To achieve this, the entire roof of the structure was replaced and 1,500m² of new insulation and roofing was installed, as were 199 new skylight domes.
A new, all-glass entrance hall was also designed to create a spacious and well-lit foyer to welcome visitors.
The Van Gogh Museum may champion respect for works of the 1800s, but its structure also exemplifies Amsterdam's increased modernity and cutting edge architecture.