aemstel schooltuin entrance gate by tjep. references urban graffiti

aemstel schooltuin entrance gate by tjep. references urban graffiti
all images courtesy tjep. studio

situated on kalfjeslaan, amstel, the aemstel schooltuin school garden replaces the previous Dr L. alma schooltuin built in 1959,  where over 500 school children aged 9 to 11 will learn about nature and grow their own plants. two sets of monumental gates designed by dutch Tjep studio will guard both entrances to aemstel schooltuin, implementing a contemporary element to this historic area. commissioned by stadsdeel zuid, the project is located next to the riekermolen, which was built in 1636. one set of gates marks the entrance from kalfjeslaan, and the other is placed on the road coming from amsteldijk. the vibrant installation design references the lush flora and fauna of the surrounding environment, with classical era elements reminiscent of contemporary urban graffiti.

‘this amazing area deserved a design that paid homage to the unique context, but also brought a new influence to the place,’ says frank tjepkema, founder and lead designer of tjep. studio. ‘a strict functional requirement was that the gates would stop those notorious plant criminals, rabbits – which we do through tightly woven patterns at the bottom. when constructed, these gates will stand at eight meters wide and four meters tall and become a portal, ushering people from the urban amstel to the historic landscape beyond. I hope children and others will feel some anticipation, some excitement, as they pass through the gates to discover the verdant wonders of nature,’ he adds.

 the gates lead to the school garden where 500 children aged 9 to 11 will learn about nature and grow their own plants

 the vibrant installation design references the lush flora and fauna of the surrounding environment

 two sets of gates guard both entrances to aemstel schooltuin

commissioned by stadsdeel zuid, the project is located next to the riekermolen, which was built in 1636