The orphanage, located in Amsterdam, was designed in 1955 by Dutch architect Aldo van Eyck. He is seen as one of the most influential protagonists of structuralism. The orphanage, that accommodated 125 children of all ages, is the first example of this movement in architecture and urban planning. The labyrinth like looking building realizes Van Eyck’s vision that the private and collective sphere are closely connected and the ‘distance’ between the urban surroundings and the building itself had to be diminished. The complex pattern of the building becomes homogenous by subjecting all elements to one constructive and structural principle.

Special thanks to Paul van den Bragt

Heritage listed.