News: a cultural centre in Arnhem covered in a dense pattern of pale concrete mullions by Rotterdam firm Neutelings Riedijk Architects has won the award for the Netherlands' Best Building of the Year 2014.
The ninth edition of the annual awards organised by the Royal Institute of Dutch Architects was presented to Neutelings Riedijk Architects for producing "a superb solution to the puzzle" of regenerating a derelict site in the centre of Arnhem.
The Rozet cultural centre is located between the city's historic centre and the new Rijnboog development, and provides a transitional space between these two districts that accommodates a range of cultural facilities.
A glazed central circulation area that extends the length of the building and intersects all floors is intended as an extension of the route between Arnhem's railway station and the church square.
This central corridor incorporates public squares leading to the entrances of cultural and educational facilities including an art centre, community college and two libraries.
"Rozet is an unmistakeable icon, a catalyst for urban development; however its public-space interior acts just as well as a meeting point and a stage for urban activities," the jury for the award pointed out.
Responding to the plot's historical context, the architects developed a facade of sandy concrete featuring traditional decorative reliefs and rosettes, which give the building its name.
The arrangement of vertical elements shields the interior from direct sunlight, while maintaining a bright interior with views across the city from the various galleries and event spaces.
Rozet was awarded the top prize after being shortlisted in the Identity & Iconic Value category. It narrowly edged out the renovation of Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum by Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos, which was shortlisted in the same category.
A former power station converted into a centre for performing arts by TenBrasWestinga Architectuur came out on top in the Quality of Life & Social Cohesion category and went on to win the Public's Prize, which was voted for on Facebook.
An energy-efficient glass-walled home by Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter was shortlisted in the Individual Residential Experience category, alongside the conversion of a farmhouse with a dramatic pitched roof by Jelle de Jong Architects.
Bierman Henket Architecten's development of a new museum district in the historical city centre of 's-Hertogenbosch was shortlisted in the Stimulating Environments category.
A campus for the Eindhoven International School by Diederendirrix Architecten that combines new and renovated historical buildings was recognised in the same category.
Kavander Architectenbureau's residential renovation project that is split down the middle to provide a married couple with "his and hers" wings was given an honourable mention in the Individual Residential Experience category.
In the Identity & Iconic Value category, an honourable mention was given to Bierman Henket Architecten's rugby ball-shaped extension to a neo-classical museum in the city of Zwolle.
More architecture in the Netherlands on Dezeen includes the Amsterdam headquarters of denim brand G-Star RAW by OMA and the remodelled Rotterdam Centraal station. See more architecture and design in the Netherlands »