Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter b.v.

Profile of Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter b.v.

Business Name

Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter b.v.

Location

Netherlands

Services

Architecture

Website

http://www.paulderuiter.nl

Paul de Ruiter

Principal(s)

Paul de Ruiter MSc (born 1962)

• Technical University Delft, Architecture, graduated with honour, 1991

Philosophy

The keywords innovation, sustainability, identity and interaction characterize the vision of Paul de Ruiter's architectural bureau.

Bringing the future closer by means of innovative architecture is our ambition - making possible what appears impossible and developing unexpected and pioneering solutions. To achieve progress, an architect must move beyond existing frames of reference and surpass the norm. Innovative improvements are generated by the desire to achieve a higher quality of architecture. Quality is not only reflected in the exterior of a building, but also to a greater extent by its internal functions. This means a healthy indoor climate, ingenious use of space and new flexibility. Why? Because the strength of architecture is defined by the extent to which it satisfies the actual needs of end users, customers and their surroundings. This can only be done by listening carefully to their wishes and working together intensively. If the architect stimulates the interaction, exchange of knowledge and mutual inspiration during the design process, architecture can be enriched and buildings will be constructed in which people feel good in every respect. Buildings that provide energy and inspiration, that generate a sense of wellbeing and foster productivity; these are intelligent buildings that have a clear influence on society. They have a vitalizing effect and lead to new insights and greater achievements.

In 1992 I formulated the hypothesis for my doctoral research that in the near future, buildings would become producers of energy instead of consumers of energy. Today, this hypothesis is more relevant than ever, and it is possible to achieve it with modern technology. Not only that, but buildings can be made entirely autarkic, meaning that they can function completely independently of the regular supply of electricity and water. This is not only a sustainable promise, it is also a commercial promise. It is a misconception to think that energy-saving and sustainable buildings have no architectonic qualities. Aesthetics and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Quite the contrary. For us, saving energy is a good reason to produce innovative and inspiring architecture. To build identity.

I believe that human inventiveness and creativity can solve present and future problems in the world. I feel I have the capacity and therefore also the responsibility to make the world better, and this is the main driving force in my work. Architecture serves people and humanity.

- Paul de Ruiter

Background

• Founded: 1994
• Offices: 2
• Design team: 5

Key projects

• Headoffice Rijkswaterstaat Zeeland, Middelburg, the Netherlands (NL), 2000-2004, public/commercial building
• Veranda Car Park, Rotterdam, NL, 2001-2005, half underground car park
• Villa Berkel, Veenendaal, NL, 2003-2005, single family house
• Villa Deys, Rhenen, NL, 1999-2002, single family house for elderly people
• Mercator 1, Nijmegen, NL, 1994-1998, commercial building
• Mercator 2, Nijmegen, NL, 1999-2001, commercial building
• Bijlmer Parktheater, Amsterdam, NL, 2005-2008, public/commercial building, theater

Key publications

• Villa Deys & Villa HJ, Architecture in the Netherlands 2002>03, 2003
• Rijkswaterstaat Zeeland, Architecture in the Netherlands 2004>05, 2005
• Veranda Car Park, Architecture in the Netherlands 2005>06, 2006
• Rijkswaterstaat Zeeland, AIT, 4-2005
• Rijkswaterstaat Zeeland, the Sourcebook of contemporary Architecture, 2007
• Mercator 1, Architectural Design, april 1999
• Villa Berkel, AIT, 7/8 2007
• Villa Deys, 150 Best House Ideas, 2005
• Villa Deys, Hauser, January 2006
• Villa Deys, Objekt, 2003

Key awards

• 2002, European Architecture Award Luigi Cosenza, Napels, Italy
• 2002, International prize for commissioning a building, Dedalo Minosse, Vicenza, Italy