De Bijenkorf by Piet Kramer

The De Bijenkorf building in The Hague, designed by Piet Kramer and completed in 1926, stands as a stunning example of Amsterdam School architecture. With its elaborate brickwork, sculptural forms, and intricate decorative details, Kramer turned a commercial department store into a striking work of art. During a time when modernism was pushing for simplicity and efficiency in architecture, Kramer’s design celebrated ornamentation and craftsmanship, making De Bijenkorf a unique and expressive building.

As you approach the building, the first thing you notice is the mesmerizing facade of red and brown brick, which seems to undulate with movement. Kramer’s skillful use of bricklaying patterns creates a sense of rhythm and flow across the surface, transforming the structure into something almost organic. The brickwork seems to ripple like waves, drawing your eyes along its curving forms. This tactile effect invites closer inspection, as though the building itself were alive, subtly shifting in the light.

At each corner and entrance, you encounter bold sculptural elements: stone accents and decorative metalwork, integrated into the architecture to give the building a sense of grandeur and artistic detail. The windows vary in shape and size—some round, some rectangular, and others arched—breaking the uniformity of the facade and adding to the sense of whimsy and creativity. The deep-set windows create shadows that add further texture to the building’s surface, making the play of light and shadow an essential part of the building’s character.

Inside, the experience continues to feel like a journey through an art piece. The interior design is cohesive with the exterior, featuring detailed woodwork, metal accents, and custom fixtures. The stained-glass windows bring colored light into the space, casting warm hues across the floors and walls, enhancing the building’s atmospheric quality. Every aspect, from the light fixtures to the interior decorations, contributes to the artistic whole, elevating what could have been an ordinary retail experience into something much more special.

De Bijenkorf's internal circulation remains more straightforward and functional, adhering to the needs of a bustling department store. The focus here is not on a grand sculptural staircase but on ensuring the movement of shoppers is efficient and unobstructed, while still offering visual splendor through the artistic details embedded throughout the store’s interiors.

Upon its completion, the building drew mixed reactions. Some felt that Kramer’s exuberant use of form and detail was excessive for a commercial building, which they argued should prioritize functionality over artistry. The intricate brickwork and sculptural decorations were seen by some as too elaborate for a department store. In contrast, others admired Kramer’s vision of turning a functional space into a living artwork, praising his ability to fuse architectural form with a sense of fantasy and delight.

Over time, however, De Bijenkorf came to be regarded as a masterpiece of the Amsterdam School movement and an important cultural and architectural landmark in The Hague. Kramer’s design succeeded in pushing the boundaries of what a commercial building could be, turning it into a vibrant, expressive form that continues to fascinate and inspire.

Today, as you walk through and around De Bijenkorf, you feel a sense of immersion in both craftsmanship and creativity. The building stands as a reminder that even spaces of commerce can be elevated into extraordinary environments, where architecture becomes a sculptural, lived experience.
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