poppodium music venue in the netherlands by van dongen-koschuch

amsterdam-based practice van dongen-koschuch has completed a music venue in the netherlands, which references the region’s 19th century urban context through false window patterning and bold brick façades. envisioned as venlo’s creative and cultural heart, the centerpiece of the scheme is an auditorium capable of hosting 550 people. the building’s envelope allows the structure to blend into the dense urban landscape, while the original roofline is preserved, allowing the distinctive capping to become a main characteristic of the design. the scheme’s façades also refer the area’s industrial past, punctured with large windows that can be clearly read externally.

the area is envisioned as the region’s creative and cultural heart
all images courtesy of van dongen-koschuch

in order to accommodate the scheme’s seating requirements, the centrally positioned main hall has been lifted above ground level, opening up space for public functions, such as the entrance, the café and rehearsal rooms. this division also creates a sound buffer with the surrounding residential area, which is further strengthened by the circulation and utilities housed in the void that rises through the building. rehearsal studios overlook this atrium, ensuring that the creative process of making music is made visible to all.

circulation and utilities are contained in the void that rises through the building

brightly and naturally lit spaces within the design

glazed rehearsal studios ensure that the creative process of making music is made visible to all

the projects interiors have been completed by ILA

the centerpiece of the scheme is a music venue capable of hosting 550 people

façades are punctured with large windows that can be clearly read externally

the 19th century urban block is located in venlo, a city in the southeastern netherlands

project info:

program: popodium (550 persons), studios, popcafe
architect: frits van dongen, patrick koschuch
project team: h.fekry, henk de haas, jeroen kreijne, raul forsoni, gianna bottema, ILA
gross surface: 2,500 sqm