Civic Architects transformed a cluster of heritage-listed buildings into the Schoenenkwartier Museum, or shoe museum, in the Netherlands.

The design retains elements of the original 1930s Raadhuis ensemble, adding new arched windows and subversive design details. Circular openings cut into the brick wall offer views into exhibition spaces.

The buildings' adaptive reuse includes a community café, workshop space, laboratories for prototyping and exhibition areas dedicated to shoe design and production in the small Dutch city of Waalwijk.

Recycled and reusable materials, such as lime hemp composite and 3D-printed ceramic tiles, showcase a circular design approach.

This project has been longlisted in the cultural project category of Dezeen Awards 2023.

Studio: Civic Architects
Project: Shoe Museum
Credits: La-Di-Da