INTERIOR RENOVATION OF CALAND LYCEUM

The following is part of a bigger project of interior renovation of the Caland Lyceum in Amsterdam. I had the chance to take part to the renovation of the canteen, the library and the entrance working closely with the design team of AtelierPRO (thanks to Amal Habti, Carolina Esteves and Dorte Kristensen). All the images are special courtesy of AtelierPRO and Mădălina Băghiceanu. 

Despite the building was recently renovated, there were too many busy and contrasting colours, too many types of doors and wall finishes. The aim of the project was to balance the color palette of the interiors and to find the right harmony between the different elements and materials.

Starting from the heart of the school, the atrium, we were called to create an image quality plan with new materials and colors scheme but also something iconic that makes the school stand out. We choose to create a sort of narrative wall by placing a sequence of mirrored boxes combined with neon lighting elements that go up until the ceiling. Viewers can see their own reflection and, through a perspective optical effect, can also read the main values of the school both from the bottom and from the top of the stairs ("Droom groter, bereik meer!" in Dutch this means "Dream bigger, achieve more!"). 

The second step was to readapt existing spaces to the students' needs like converting the hallways in livable study spaces and renovating the canteen and the library with customized furniture. With simple interventions the athmosphere has now completely changed from busy colors to natural tones that provide a calm and fresh look. 

Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Status: Completed

Year: 2023-2024

Design: with AtelierPRO, while part of their team