Excellent in combining new programmes. The school is an impressive example of the connection of a building with a neighbourhood. The effect on the day to day life in the quarter is enormous.These are the words of the jury, who have awarded the IIRE, and its partners on Timorplein, a prize for the best redevelopment and renovation in Amsterdam The co-called Geurt Brinkgreve Goblet is named after the pioneer of the Amsterdam policy of restoration and preservation of the historical inner city.
The Jury Report
Timorschool (Zeeburg): Commissioners: Ymere, Stay-Okay, Institut International de Recherches et de Formation.
Excellent in combining new programmes. The school is an impressive example of the connection of a building with a neighbourhood. The effect on the day to day life in the quarter is enormous. The mutual collaboration between the parties involved is admirable. The organisational role of Ymere in pulling the project, in combination with the unorthodox creativity and societal force of other organisations ((Kriterion, Stay-Okay, Institut International de Recherches et de Formation, Cybersoek), as well as the positive contribution of the borough of Zeeburg resulted in a startling result. Behind the impressive and unaltered historical facade, the building has been thoroughly transformed and brims over of activities. The organisation of the new functions is very interesting and demanded a thorough transformation of the interior. The functions are oriented towards the square as well as internally joined via the old schoolyard by an ingenious network of partly old, partly new stairs and corridors. This has been done to foster the mutual programmatic and commercial cross links between hotel, film, theatre, and education. A beautiful expression of intensive use of space. The Timorschool proves that existing buildings, provided that they are adjusted to our time, can represent good bearers of renovation and neighbourhood development. Even stronger: this cannot be underrated. The initiators and the risk bearers must be put on a pedestal.
Unanimously the jury selected the Timorschool as winner for the Geurt Brinkgreve Goblet 2007.
Amsterdam 13 December 2007