Herman Hertzberger

The architect Herman Hertzberger (b. 1932) is the most important representative of Dutch Structuralism. This movement, which emerged in 1960, is highly regarded in modern architecture and takes as ist starting point an archetypal behaviour of humankind. Consequently, buildings must satisfy both the individual and the social needs of those who use them: architecture must be “inviting”.

Hertzberger gained international recognition for his office buildings, schools and housing estates created between 1968 and 1990. In addition to fair-faced concrete and glass, they make use above all of precast concrete blocks, a “poor” construction material which contributes to their unique character. The Munich-based architectural photographer Klaus Kinold has focused on Hertzberger’s masterpieces from a very early stage; his masterful pictures are also of historical value because some of the buildings have since undergone changes.

Languages: English and German

About the Author

Wolfgang Jean Stock is co-editor of the Austrian magazine Architektur Aktuell. His articles have been published in Bauwelt, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Süddeutsche Zeitung, et al.

About the Photographer

Klaus Kinold is a German architectural photographer and founder of the journal KS Neues.