Exquisite precast concrete elements for the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Dutch city of Leiden
Figure: Robert Mehl
Figure: Robert Mehl
Figure: Neutelings Riedijk Architects
Figure: Robert Mehl
Figure: Neutelings Riedijk Architects
Figure: Robert Mehl
Figure: Robert Mehl
Figure: Neutelings Riedijk Architects
Figure: Neutelings Riedijk Architects
The recently opened Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden is the largest museum of natural history in the Netherlands. The distinctive façade of the building is dominated by a cubic body of three-dimensional interlaced precast concrete elements. The complete article (in German only) can be read in the “BetonBauteile Jahrbuch 2022,” which is available in the Profil-Buchhandlung.
For their design of this museum newbuild, the Rotterdam architects Neutelings Riedijk had looked for an architectural likeness in nature. At the same time, the Naturalis Biodiversity Center was to be recognizable as a public building in the Bio Science Park in Leiden. This science quarter of Leiden University is characterized by introverted research institutes and office buildings. Although in walking distance from the main railroad station, it is located on the side facing away from the inner city. It is no place for strolling through, but rather one to which one goes for a specific purpose....
