louis hartlooper complex
movie theatre and cultural centre utrecht
the complex
Activities consist of workshops, festivals, lec-
tures, discussions, exhibitions and of course
lm performance. A number of bar facilities are
positioned in the building. e varied program
demands for exibility in use of the build-
ing. Needs in particular are multifunctional
spaces and varied scenarios for routing.
e ground oor of the present building
contains a salon, conference room, bars,
sanitary units, kitchen and a gallery. e rst
oor contains two halls and oce spaces. e
second oor has various oce spaces and
meeting room. A newly added construction
part contains two halls and a foyer.
e former police station Tolsteegbrug was
build in 1928 based upon a design of architect
Planjer. e building is regarded as a typical
example of the ´Amsterdamse School´, a
Dutch design movement, and mainly because
of this awarded with the status of Federal
Monument. Situated at a striking spot, once
the place where the medieval city gate oered
access to town. e building is part of the ´Mu-
seums Quarter´, a historic part of town where
municipal policy focuses on reinforcing and
extending cultural and educational functions
and providing public access to the cultural
heritage of the build environment.
e police station Tolsteegbrug is transformed
into a centre for movie and culture, the ´Louis
Hartlooper Complex´.
e Louis Hartlooper complex is a meeting
place for producers, associations, companies,
schools and other interested parties dealing
with movie and culture.
project data
Extension and renovation of a former police
station into a movie theatre and cultural centre
Winner National Transformation Award for Monuments
location | Utrecht, the Netherlands
programme | 5 halls, foyer, gallery, bar, oces
dimensions | 1345 m2
consultants
structural design | Pieters Bouwtechniek Del b.v.
building services | W+R Installatieadviseurs, Breda
acoustics | DGMR, Arnhem
budgeting and specications | Inbo Adviseurs Bouw
identity
Bringing back into sight the original identity
of the buildings architecture is an important
part of the renovation.
is has been achieved through carefull
conservation and restauration of au-
thentic detailling and materials. Also color-
schemes are brought back into the design
with great attention to the original details.
contrast
Accommodation of the desired program im-
plies a necessary redoubling of the exist-
ing oor area within the present boundaries
of the lot. A two storey structure in the present
courtyard provides in this demand, assuming
demolition of existing premisses on this spot.
The design is based on a sharp contrast
between existing and new structures. Con-
struction parts are contrasting in formal
language and materialisation. Where the
present building offers a classic monumental
and orthogonal composition, the new part
forms an object folding itself literally to func-
tion and context. Where the present building
is erected in red brick, the new part wears a
bumpy black skin nished with a polyurethane
coating. Construction parts demonstrate them-
selves as autonomous buildings along the
inner square, in this capturing an intermediate
position.
square
The Louis Hartlooper complex needs a heart,
a central space where everyday life enrols
itself. The space is inviting, accessible, ex-
ceptional but still common. This meeting point
forms an enlargement of the city´s public
space, and functions as extension of the
Ledig Erf. People come to watch and show off.
The game of encounter is directed by offering
various spots and levels. The space func-
tions as well as a stage for concerts, discours-
es and sketches.
The urban square is located at the site of the
former courtyard of the police station. The
square is equipped with a glazed roof suggest-
ing the sense of a semi outdoor space.
“It is a very fascinating and revitalizing redevelopment of a remarkable building in the Utrecht city centre. The building has a strik-
ing exterior with special detailing. The integration of the new building into the original courtyard is also striking. This new structure
has been added with respect for the original monument. Thanks to the new function of cinemas, catering facilities and a cultural
centre, the complex has become accessible to a wide audience. The building has successfully managed to convert its closed
appearance into openness.”
- Jury chairman Fons Asselbergs, former director of the National Agency for the Preservation of Monuments
