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P R O F I L E | V I N C E N T VA N D U Y S E N
neoclassical grandeur completed in
collaboration with Wouter Callebaut Archi-
tecten, Van Duysen added contemporary
architectural elements to upgrade the
premises to function afresh as a modern
hotel. Black, therefore, is a protagonist
used to distinguish classic and contempo-
rary elements. Notably at the hotel entrance,
where a structure of black steel forms a
stark contrast to the red brick facade.
"This is an allusion to the glass roofs that
once covered the terraces of the hospital
pavilions," notes Van Duysen. Respecting
19th-century traditions, fixtures and fittings
were tailor-made by Nijboer, lighting is by
lighting. No one dare argue that his work is
of the most exquisite quality; if incongruity
exists, it is in this question: Is Van Duysen
minimalist or essentialist? His investment—
insistence even— in achieving a timeless-
ness for today is more of the essentialist
feel, emphasized by Van Duysen giving
affection no quarter so that grace, nuance,
and clarity prevail.
This is especially vivid in August. Historic
structure, beautiful bones, a discreet
but evident charisma—it was the ideally
visioned canvas from the start. The build-
ing's significance to the community and to
history as a whole mandated a thoughtful
and precise interference. The challenge,
Van Duysen notes, is "to design without
too much ostentation within this type of
building that already has a strong identity.
There are elements which are part of an
existing aesthetic that determines the
kind of style I have to pick up on, yet I still
needed to design a hotel that has its own
unique features that make it different from
any other hotel." A hotel whose architecture
supported a former military hospital and,
within, a convent that once housed the
nuns who ministered wounded soldiers.
With the restoration of the building's
42 DIGS.NET
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