José Forjaz in the office of the mayorin the town hall by Dudok. Photo: NAI

Name: José Forjaz
Function: Architect
Organisation: José Forjaz Arquitectos

As a part of the cultural Speed Date organized by the Prince Claus Fund on December 14, architect José Forjaz from Mozambique was invited by the NAI for a stay of 11 to 16 December 2011. For two days Forjaz participated in all activities of the Prince Claus Fund, including the 2011 Prince Claus Awards Ceremony. Because of Forjaz' great interest in the architecture of Dudok and his contemporaries, a visit to the town hall and schools by Dudok in Hilversum and the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam were on the program during the remaining days of his visit. Besides these historical architectural projects, contemporary projects in Rotterdam and Amsterdam were also on the agenda. A visit to the NAI and the archive completed his stay.

What were your expectations beforehand?
To be put in direct contact with the reality of the architecture of the Netherlands and specifically to experience some of the classic moderns that I did not have had the opportunity to know in loco. To confirm some of the pre formed ideas that I have constructed about the contemporary realizations of the best known works and authors.

How did you experience your stay in Holland?
I appreciated the warm welcome and the competence of the persons that were kind enough to take me around and give me the history and background details of the works and urban environments we visited.

What were the highlights of your stay in Holland?
Definitely the Hilversum City Hall and the Library in Amsterdam.

Do you think that the set goals of your visit are well translated in the visitors programme?
Absolutely. The only thing I regret is that we did not have the time to explore other fundamental pieces of the architectural patrimony of contemporary and historical architecture.

Is there something you would like to add?
Only that I am sorry that I missed the opportunity to make these comments spontaneously!

Do you think that there will be any follow up contacts with the people you met?
I hope so.

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