Contribution to publication:
D. Broekhuizen, ‘An Awakening Consciousness. The Early Development of Rietveld’s Theoretical Approach’, in: R. Dettingmeijer, M.-Th. van Thoor, I. van Zijl (ed.), Rietveld’s Universe, NAi publishers Rotterdam, 2010, p. 36-47
Dutch architect and furniture maker Gerrit Th. Rietveld (Utrecht 1888-1964) is one of the most celebrated designers of the twentieth century. He achieved worldwide fame with his Red-Blue Chair and the Schroder House. In the vast quantity of literature about Rietveld’s designs, relatively little attention is paid to his writing. Dolf Broekhuizen describes in his essay in ‘Rietveld’s Universe’ the early development of Rietveld’s ideas. He takes Rietveld’s words and writings seriously and relates them to his oeuvre.
Client
Department of R-MIT at Delft University of Technology, Utrecht University and Centraal Museum Utrecht
E-ISBN 978 90 5662 746 1
Award
The International Committee of Architectural Critics (CICA) awarded the book Rietveld’s Universe with te CICA Julius Posener Exhibition Catalogue Award 2011.
bookreview
‘Published alongside the exhibition, the book Rietveld’s Universe explores his career and critical reception in a dozen essays. It’s a valuable collection, which ranges from the cultural life of Rietveld’s hometown Utrecht to the way he detailed a corner, and out of it another Rietveld emerges: not just the standard bearer for De Stijl but a prescient environmentalist.’ Andrew Mead, in: The Architectural Review, december 2010, p. 110-111
review of exhibition:
‘A major exhibition at the Centraal Museum here is making an exceptional effort to explore and expose the creative energy of the pioneering modern Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld.’ Colin Amery, in: The Wall Street Journal, januari 11, 2011
