Visitors consulting the Koolhaas database in the exhibition START in the NAI. Photo: NAI, Suzanne Kole
The exhibition START was set up as an 'open depot' in which visitors could consult material from the Koolhaas & OMA/AMO archives. An archival database with background articles has been created especially for the exhibition. This database is still available online.
The NAI's collection now comprises more than five hundred archives relating to Dutch architects and city planners from 1800-1970. The Rem Koolhaas/OMA archive is undoubtedly one of the most important in the collection. As early as 1984 the NAI acquired several project files from this relatively new practice. The collection was added to in 1988 and 1994, and is currently being supplemented with sketches, drawings and models relating to projects already in the archive but that until now have remained with the practice. During the exhibition this material was unpacked, cleaned and inventorized in the workspace.
Archives
The NAI's intention has always been to acquire complete archives: not only beautiful presentation drawings but also sketches, working drawings, models, photographs, business and personal correspondence, and other documentation. This acquisition policy makes it possible to study an architectural practice's working methods in the greatest possible detail.
OMAR
With the aid of a specially designed database visitors could search the archive and request and inspect items. They first selected a project from the list of projects, then selected a category and noted the OMAR code of the desired item on the request card. They could take the card to the counter (open daily 12.00 - 4.00 p.m.) where the material was located for them. They then could inspect the item(s) in the workspace.
Online
The database contains background articles on specific aspects of the archive. They include the acquisition history of the archive, the role of artwork and models within OMA's career and other museums with OMA archival material. The database can be viewed online.
For the first time in its fifteen-year history the NAI has transferred
the entire archive of an architecture firm from the collection depot to
the exhibition gallery.
> Read more...
START comprises the NAI's archive of Koolhaas' early work from the period 1978-1994. The exhibition includes Dutch highlights such as the Nederlands Dans Theater in The Hague and the Kunsthal in Rotterdam. The exhibition is installed as an open depot housing forty projects from the period 1978-1994. START forms the perfect introduction to the exhibition CONTENT in the Kunsthal, which examines Koolhaas' later work.
> Read more...
The city of Lille in Northern France aims to develop into a business
center rivaling London or Brussels. OMA, the office of Rem Koolhaas,
has given form to this ambition in the Euralille master plan.
> Read more...
The Rem Koolhaas web file contains biographical information,
bibliographical references and links to internet resources on Koolhaas,
OMA and AMO, as well as their most important works. A list of projects
offers an overview of works between 1972-2002.
> Read more...
"Dear clients, please give Rem Koolhaas a monumental
commission at last. This building has more than international appeal. It has
significance."
> Read more...
