KCAP is a globally renowned urbanism, architecture and landscape design firm, comprising a team of over 100 people and more than 25 nationalities. With offices in Rotterdam, Zürich, Paris and Shanghai, we specialise in caring for the lifecycle and transformation processes of buildings, neighbourhoods and urban regions. But at heart, we design with a free-thinking state of mind, to improve the livability of urban conditions, for the world's ever-growing cities, and its metropolises. Together, in a dialogue with our clients, our work creates the conditions for freedom.KCAP was founded in 1989 by Kees Christiaanse and over the years grown into a well-known international design office with seven Partners; Xavier Blaringhem, Jeroen Dirckx, Ruurd Gietema, Anouk Kuitenbrouwer, Irma van Oort, Ute Schneider and Edward Schuurmans.

KCAP

KCAP is a globally renowned urbanism, architecture and landscape design firm, comprising a team of over 100 people and more than 25 nationalities...

KCAP is een internationaal ontwerpbureau, een team van meer dan 125 mensen en 25 nationaliteiten die een gemeenschappelijke missie delen. Met kantoren in Rotterdam, Zürich en Shanghai zijn we gespecialiseerd in stedenbouw, architectuur en landschapsarchitectuur, waarbij we zorg dragen voor de levenscyclus en transformatieprocessen van gebouwen, buurten en regio's. Maar in wezen ontwerpen we met een free-state-of-mind om de leefbaarheid van stedelijke omgevingen te verbeteren met de menselijke maat als onze focus. Samen creëren we voorwaarden voor vrijheid.KCAP is in 1989 opgericht door Kees Christiaanse en in de loop der jaren uitgegroeid tot een bekend internationaal ontwerpbureau met zeven Partners; Xavier Blaringhem, Jeroen Dirckx, Ruurd Gietema, Anouk Kuitenbrouwer, Irma van Oort, Ute Schneider en Edward Schuurmans.

KCAP is een internationaal ontwerpbureau, een team van meer dan 125 mensen en 25 nationaliteiten die een gemeenschappelijke missie delen. Met...

KCAP ist eine internationale Designfirma, ein Team von über 125 Personen und 25 Nationalitäten, die eine gemeinsame Mission teilen. Mit Büros in Rotterdam, Zürich und Shanghai sind wir auf Städtebau, Architektur und Landschaftsarchitektur spezialisiert und kümmern uns um den Lebenszyklus und die Transformationsprozesse von Gebäuden, Stadtteilen und Regionen. Aber im Grunde entwerfen wir mit einer frei denkenden Geisteshaltung, um die Lebensqualität städtischer Umgebungen zu verbessern, wobei die menschliche Dimension im Mittelpunkt steht. Gemeinsam schaffen wir Bedingungen für Freiheit.KCAP wurde 1989 von Kees Christiaanse gegründet und hat sich im Laufe der Jahre zu einem bekannten internationalen Designbüro mit sieben Partnern entwickelt; Xavier Blaringhem, Jeroen Dirckx, Ruurd Gietema, Anouk Kuitenbrouwer, Irma van Oort, Ute Schneider und Edward Schuurmans.

KCAP ist eine internationale Designfirma, ein Team von über 125 Personen und 25 Nationalitäten, die eine gemeinsame Mission teilen. Mit Büros in...

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Amsterdam, 29 November 2023—Today in Amsterdam, the OKU House, one of KCAP's newest projects, reaches its highest point of construction. This new building is sited as the nucleus of the rapidly maturing and densifying residential neighbourhood along Koningin Wilhelminaplein (Queen Wilhelmina Square), in the Dutch capital; the urban plan of which, was also designed by KCAP. 

KCAP Reach Highest Point of Construction on the OKU House in Amsterdam

OKU House is flanked by several factories and warehouses, one of which to the East—named Berghaus Plaza, a former coat factory that's currently under renovation—is being converted to a new residential building. It is composed of a series of interlocking volumes, utilising a strong North-South axis; one of these volumes rests atop a building from 1971, named 'Fashion House,' which has been incorporated into this new building. OKU House contains just over 320 apartments, all of which are for the rental market, ranging in size from circa 35-70 m2. Residential units feature generously sized balconies, the largest of which are about five meters wide, further expanding opportunities for indoor-outdoor urban living. The building's striking, elevated six storey volume on the western edge of the site, is supported by a series of playfully oriented columns; below which is a small park that welcomes visitors and residents to the building, serving as a luscious green space, and a community gathering point. Below the site is a new, two-storey parking garage. Access to the building's residences occurs through lobbies that have been extensively glazed, to maintain visible connection to the park and surrounding park-like areas from inside. They also include ample space for indoor bike parking, for the building's soon-to be new residents. Constructed is expected to be completed in early 2024.

Rotterdam, 13 November 2023—Last week at an award ceremony in Milan, KCAP's K64 Keflavík Airport Area Master Plan won the 2023 'The Plan Award', in the category of 'Transportation'. The award is given by the Italian magazine The Plan, and it recognises excellence in architecture, interior design and urban planning. Published eight times a year, The Plan is one of the most respected trade publications covering these fields. The K64 Keflavík Airport Area Master Plan, serves as a roadmap to guide the development surrounding the international airport. Centrally positioned at the Reykjanes peninsula, the airport is adjacent to low-density areas—a characteristic shaped by the country's unique geography and demographics. The strategic master plan aims to seamlessly integrate the airport with these largely residential communities through a mix of densification, public walkways and cycling paths. Located 50 km away from the capital Reykjavík, the Suðurnes peninsula, with Keflavík...

KCAP's K64 Keflavík Airport Area Master Plan Wins 2023 'The Plan Award'

Rotterdam, 13 November 2023—Last week at an award ceremony in Milan, KCAP's K64 Keflavík Airport Area Master Plan won the 2023 'The Plan Award'...

Rotterdam, 13 November 2023—Last week at an award ceremony in Milan, KCAP's K64 Keflavík Airport Area Master Plan won the 2023 'The Plan Award', in the category of 'Transportation'. The award is given by the Italian magazine The Plan, and it recognises excellence in architecture, interior design and urban planning. Published eight times a year, The Plan is one of the most respected trade publications covering these fields. The K64 Keflavík Airport Area Master Plan, serves as a roadmap to guide the development surrounding the international airport. Centrally positioned at the Reykjanes peninsula, the airport is adjacent to low-density areas—a characteristic shaped by the country's unique geography and demographics. The strategic master plan aims to seamlessly integrate the airport with these largely residential communities through a mix of densification, public walkways and cycling paths. Located 50 km away from the capital Reykjavík, the Suðurnes peninsula, with Keflavík International Airport, is Iceland’s most emblematic gateway. Sitting at the crossroads of Europe and North America, home to the Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark, the airport area is exceptionally well suited to become one of the leading developments for sustainable innovation in the aviation, energy and technology sectors. The project is codenamed K64—because it straddles the 64th parallel north—the Keflavik Airport Area Master Plan aims to be a catalyst for innovating Iceland's economy. The project has been designed to develop the full potential of this territory and explore untapped opportunities in relation to its global challenges of the future. Building on its privileged position at the intersection of the northern Atlantic routes, and banking on the Icelandic progressive way of thinking, K64 aims to converge influxes of people, assets and technologies toward a forward-looking environment—specifically designed to foster partnership, creativity and knowledge. Moreover, the plan harmoniously aligns with Iceland's reforestation initiatives, weaving natural elements into the community fabric. K64 Keflavík Airport Area Master Plan was developed by a multidisciplinary team led by KCAP, including WSP, FELIXX, MIC-HUB, VSO Consulting, Buck Consultants International, Buro Happold, Base Design, Maurits Schaafsma and Kanon Arkitektar. The background of the project can be discovered at: www.k64.is

Zurich/Paris, 5 July 2023—KCAP and V2S have won the international competition for Altiplano, an iconic complex for living and working in ZAC Aerospace—a new neighbourhood on the edge of Toulouse, designed by David Mangin from Agence Seura. The design comprises a high-rise with co-living apartments and a lower volume with offices and co-working spaces, connected by a 25 meter wide arch. This arch serves as the visual completion of a historical runway, the Piste des Géants, which is being transformed into a linear urban forest. The complex’s façade will be constructed in lightweight wood, an explicit wish of both client Linkcity and KCAP. The result is a sustainable landmark that fits the location, a symbol for the city’s history as a place for innovation. Toulouse is an important centre for aviation, research and education; the city is home to Airbus and a number of major universities, and wants - and needs - to expand. The municipality has earmarked Montaudran, an industrial zone...

KCAP Win Competition for Altiplano—A Sustainable Living and Working Tower, in Toulouse

Zurich/Paris, 5 July 2023—KCAP and V2S have won the international competition for Altiplano, an iconic complex for living and working in ZAC...

Zurich/Paris, 5 July 2023—KCAP and V2S have won the international competition for Altiplano, an iconic complex for living and working in ZAC Aerospace—a new neighbourhood on the edge of Toulouse, designed by David Mangin from Agence Seura. The design comprises a high-rise with co-living apartments and a lower volume with offices and co-working spaces, connected by a 25 meter wide arch. This arch serves as the visual completion of a historical runway, the Piste des Géants, which is being transformed into a linear urban forest. The complex’s façade will be constructed in lightweight wood, an explicit wish of both client Linkcity and KCAP. The result is a sustainable landmark that fits the location, a symbol for the city’s history as a place for innovation. Toulouse is an important centre for aviation, research and education; the city is home to Airbus and a number of major universities, and wants - and needs - to expand. The municipality has earmarked Montaudran, an industrial zone to the southeast of the centre, for transformation into an urban neighbourhood. Although the area is on the outskirts of the city, it has great historical value: Montaudran was home to one of Toulouse’s former airports, which dates back to the pioneering days of aviation. So although the area lies at some distance from the centre, it is at the heart of European aviation, and of Toulouse as a hub for aeronautical industries. The former airport runway - the so-called ‘Piste des Géants’, where aviators like Antoine de Saint-Exupery flew for the famous Aéropostale company - serves as the backbone of the new district and will be transformed into a 2 kilometre long linear forest. Altiplano is located exactly at the end of this runway: a prominent, symbolic location which requires a landmark with an ambitious, iconic design. Therefore, KCAP conceived a tower to serve as a marker, flanked by a lower, horizontal volume. The tower, however, is not positioned directly in the axis of the runway. Instead, the Piste des Géants is concluded by a 25 meter wide monumental arch which connects the tower to the low-rise volume, and which spans a staircase that connects the runway to the adjacent, uphill neighbourhood. The challenge was to create an architectural statement that is monumental but also sustainable, embedded in the city and functional. The mixed-use program consists of co-living apartments with support services—which are housed in the tower—as well as offices and co-working spaces - located in the low-rise and the arch. For the co-working spaces, KCAP created an attractive, large open plan office with a loggia that offers stunning views of the linear forest, making the most of its unique setting. The co-living apartments, small units for young professionals, researchers and starters, share a rooftop terrace that overlooks the neighbourhood and the city centre. “This makes for generous outside spaces and great views for all the users,” explains Xavier Blaringhem, partner at KCAP. “Our office has a strong drive to create liveable cities. Seeing how the brief called for a monumental gesture, this presented us with another challenge. Our solution was to look for the human scale: in the dimensions of the arch, and also in the design of the ground floors—especially those of the lower volume”, explains Xavier Blaringhem. The building volumes are adjusted to their location and the way they’re approached. For example, the road directly behind the complex—rue Tarfaya—is on a higher level than the runway. The road sees heavy traffic, and access to the building here is less easy to read. But rue Tarfaya is also where the bus- and metro stop will be located—so it was all the more important to adjust the ground floor to the human scale. The staircase underneath the arch connects the Piste des Géants to rue Tarfaya, covering the height difference. The staircase, however, is not merely used for circulation, but also serves as an inviting collective space where people can spend time together, sit in the shade, have lunch. It is lushly planted and acts as an extension of the linear forest. This doesn’t just benefit the users, but also helps animals in bridging the barrier between the runway and rue Tarfaya: it is more than a visual or urban intervention, but also has an important ecological function. As an additional measure, the arch’s roof, which is not accessible, acts as a lifted ecosystem and a catalyst for urban biodiversity. Toulouse, as a city, is very aware of the effects of climate change; not only does the town regularly suffer from heatwaves, but the municipality is also conscious of the need for higher sustainability and a lower carbon footprint - in all fields, including the building industry. With Altiplano, KCAP aims to set the example, especially in their façade design, to improve the performance and reduce the carbon footprint of our projects. There is a direct connection between the choice of materials and climate mitigation. The façade will be executed in lightweight wooden prefab elements, which have only been applied a handful of times at this height in France; the wood will be covered with metal cladding, which adds texture to the building. For this cladding, KCAP decided to use a light colour instead of the ‘classical’ pink of Toulouse. Xavier Blaringhem: “Altiplano confirms Toulouse’s historical role as a centre for innovation. For this reason, the city decided to present the project at MIPIM this year. In addition, the project is a milestone for KCAP, emphasising our international presence as architects - so we’re proud to showcase it to the world.”

Zurich, 4 May 2023—With the ‘Quarter of the Dancing Couples’ KCAP (urban design and architecture), Studio Vulkan (landscape) and Raumanzug (sustainability) win the competition for a new residential neighbourhood with 279 apartments in the vicinity of Zurich. Wangen-Brüttisellen is a fast-growing municipality which is planning to densify. One of the plots designated for redevelopment is the Erni-Areal, a former industrial estate located close to the railway station. The aim was to create a dense and liveable neighbourhood in a contrasting, almost cacophonous context.

KCAP Design ‘Quarter of the Dancing Couples’—An Industrial Estate, in Wangen-Brüttisellen

Zurich, 4 May 2023—With the ‘Quarter of the Dancing Couples’ KCAP (urban design and architecture), Studio Vulkan (landscape) and Raumanzug...

Rotterdam/Zurich, 9 March 2023—As a project of national importance for Iceland, we are proud to announce the official launch of the K64 Keflavík Airport Area Masterplan. The masterplan has been developed by a multidisciplinary team led by KCAP, including WSP, FELIXX, MIC-HUB, VSO Consulting, Buck Consultants International, Buro Happold, Base Design, Maurits Schaafsma, and Kanon Arkitektar.

KCAP Design K64 Keflavík Airport Area Master Plan, in Iceland

Rotterdam/Zurich, 9 March 2023—As a project of national importance for Iceland, we are proud to announce the official launch of the K64 Keflavík...

Rotterdam, 16 February 2023—February saw the festive completion of the Hogekwartier in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. In 2008, KCAP designed the masterplan for this new city district, commissioned by housing corporation De Alliantie and the Municipality. The neighbourhood had to meet a number of requirements: the partially built-up site had to be transformed into a residential area with various types of affordable rentals and owner-occupied houses, surrounded by public spaces and greenery; in addition, there was a clear wish to provide Amersfoort with a proper ‘entry’, to create a local hub and improve the traffic flow between the city centre and the A28 highway. Furthermore, the masterplan was part of a larger operation to sustainably renovate and renew the existing social housing stock in Amersfoort. The Hogekwartier lies between the post-war urban expansions Liendert and Schuilenburg. Redevelopment of the site provides a major impetus for the regeneration of these two...

KCAP Complete Hogekwartier, in Amersfoort

Rotterdam, 16 February 2023—February saw the festive completion of the Hogekwartier in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. In 2008, KCAP designed the...

Rotterdam, 16 February 2023—February saw the festive completion of the Hogekwartier in Amersfoort, the Netherlands. In 2008, KCAP designed the masterplan for this new city district, commissioned by housing corporation De Alliantie and the Municipality. The neighbourhood had to meet a number of requirements: the partially built-up site had to be transformed into a residential area with various types of affordable rentals and owner-occupied houses, surrounded by public spaces and greenery; in addition, there was a clear wish to provide Amersfoort with a proper ‘entry’, to create a local hub and improve the traffic flow between the city centre and the A28 highway. Furthermore, the masterplan was part of a larger operation to sustainably renovate and renew the existing social housing stock in Amersfoort. The Hogekwartier lies between the post-war urban expansions Liendert and Schuilenburg. Redevelopment of the site provides a major impetus for the regeneration of these two neighbourhoods. The new district is located on both sides of the Hogeweg, a busy traffic artery that connects the city centre to the highway. KCAP has inserted a raised, intersecting axis - de Buurtas - which creates a compact grade-separated intersection. Transiting traffic moves underground, local traffic stays overhead. A framework of public spaces and landscaping organizes the Hogekwartier into several areas, perpendicular to the Hogeweg; each area has its own character. The road itself will have a classic boulevard setup, with four rows of trees between the lanes and cycle paths. Jeroen Dirckx, partner at KCAP, points out that "this has created a road that not only serves as a traffic artery, but as a lively space and a recognizable entrance to the city."

Rotterdam, 19 January 2023—KCAP and Kraaijvanger Architects transformed the Stationspostgebouw, a former postal sorting centre next to the Hollands Spoor train station in The Hague, into a sustainable and social work environment for the 21st century while respecting the original architecture. Renovation of the national monument was commissioned by LIFE, SENS real estate and PostNL, the national postal service and former occupant. The building is home once again to PostNL, now serving as its headquarters.

KCAP Complete Station Post Building, in The Hague

Rotterdam, 19 January 2023—KCAP and Kraaijvanger Architects transformed the Stationspostgebouw, a former postal sorting centre next to the...

Rotterdam, 24 November 2022—October saw the completion of The Twins, a residential ensemble designed by KCAP. The project consists of two robust volumes set around a communal courtyard garden. Stepped green balconies, combined with the sturdy materialization and luxurious detailing, makes for a sensorially rich ensemble, like a three-dimensional oasis right in the middle of Amsterdam.

KCAP Complete The Twins, in Amsterdam 

Rotterdam, 24 November 2022—October saw the completion of The Twins, a residential ensemble designed by KCAP. The project consists of two robust...

Shanghai, 27 October 2022—KCAP was awarded first prize in the competition for the International Coastline Conceptual Design for the Yantai Economic and Technological Development Zone in China that took place in June. Objective was to transform the underused coastal area bordering the city of Yantai into a vibrant, international urban district with a beautiful natural coastline. KCAP’s vision, Yantai Seafront Garden, spans several scales and is rooted in the city’s evolution from North-eastern China’s historical open gateway to an Economic Development Zone.

KCAP Win First Prize for Yantai Seafront Garden, in China

Shanghai, 27 October 2022—KCAP was awarded first prize in the competition for the International Coastline Conceptual Design for the Yantai...

Rotterdam, 4 July 2022—On 30 June, the Katwijk City Council approved the zoning plan for Valkenhorst, a new town on the site of the Marine Vliegkamp Valkenburg in Katwijk, the Netherlands. The transformation of the former military airfield is one of the largest residential developments in the Randstad, and makes an important contribution to the demand for housing in the Netherlands. With 5.600 homes for approximately 13.000 inhabitants, it is the size of a new village.

KCAP Design Valkenhorst—A New Village for 13.000 People

Rotterdam, 4 July 2022—On 30 June, the Katwijk City Council approved the zoning plan for Valkenhorst, a new town on the site of the Marine...

Rotterdam/Amsterdam, 13 June 2022—Over the past five years Droogbak, an iconic nineteenth-century building next to Amsterdam Central Station, has been transformed into an office space for the twenty-first century. KCAP was commissioned by Allianz Real Estate, together with consulting engineers ABT, and was responsible for the spatial transformation of the listed building; Fokkema & Partners drew on this in their interior design for law firm Clifford Chance. Focal point was to create a future-proof monument that enables a new way of working.

KCAP Complete Droogbak—A Renovated Nineteenth-Century Office, in Amsterdam

Rotterdam/Amsterdam, 13 June 2022—Over the past five years Droogbak, an iconic nineteenth-century building next to Amsterdam Central Station, has...

Rotterdam/Hamburg, 21 April 2022—KCAP and K+H, in collaboration with Transsolar KlimaEngineering, PML Lange and WTM Engineers have won the first prize in the competition for a sustainable residential tower in Hamburg, Germany. The project is one of three 'Wasserhäuser' that are to be built in the Baakenhafen, which is part of the HafenCity master plan by KCAP/ASTOC - currently the largest inner-city development in Europe. One of the main objectives was to design a tower that is part of its context but also has a clear identity of its own, and makes maximum use of its location.

KCAP Win Competition for Tower in HafenCity, Hamburg

Rotterdam/Hamburg, 21 April 2022—KCAP and K+H, in collaboration with Transsolar KlimaEngineering, PML Lange and WTM Engineers have won the first...