Art Foundation at Fort Vijfhuizen required a transformation of the 100 year old military genie shed into an attractive and exciting place for creating and displaying contemporary art. The existing space has to be suitable for the organization of temporary exhibitions. The shed, a military monument of the Defence of Amsterdam, is not yet suitable to show art because of its limited climate control and poor insulation.

At the moment the Genie shed at Kunstfort Vijfhuizen forms a barrier between the parking and the main entrance to the fort. The proposal transforms the shed into an entrance building, or ’gate’. An opening is made in the axis of the bridge towards the fort and a new staircase connects directly to the street level. The ‘gate’ is at the same time a foyer with reception and information desk. It divides the volume in two parts, a new exhibition space and a cafe with bar and service facilities.
 

The monumental status of the genie shed is strengthened by its placement on an elevated square. This generates space around the building and distance towards the dyke. The building is now clearly visible both from the south and the north side. The square becomes a podium for art, both indoor and outdoor.