Aldo & Hannie van Eyck. Excess of Architecture

An essential survey of the Architectural works of Aldo & Hannie van Eyck

Known as the father of Dutch modernism, Aldo van Eyck was instrumental in defining the landscape of postwar architecture. His designs foregrounded the importance of the lived experience of the inhabitants of each building, and these social concerns are clearly apparent in the choice of projects profiled in this book.

Beginning with iconic works such as the public playgrounds of Amsterdam—whose minimalist aesthetic style was designed to stimulate creative play and which ultimately influenced generations of children across the world—this publication also showcases lesser-known later works, including the boldly colourful ESTEC communal building and the Court of Audit in The Hague with its undulating façade.

24 key works, which were developed in collaboration with his wife and partner Hannie van Eyck, are presented through full-bleed photographs, as well as site plans and elevations. These include iconic works that made their name, such as the public playgrounds of Amsterdam and the municipal orphanage composed of multiple modules on one level. Their later work of the 1980s and 1990s, which includes the boldly colourful ESTEC communal building and Court of Audit in The Hague, is also featured.