Herman Hertzberger

Haarlemmer Houttuinen Housing
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Herman Hertzberger

level one plan (29)

section through unit (30)

stair to upper level (31)

Hertzberger creates a street atmosphere for pedestrians by layering the spaces for
activity to occur. Within these layers of smaller spaces, he seizes every opportunity
to articulate elements such as patio, step, and balcony.
The care inelevating the patio just one step above street level allows the resident to
feel comfortable in having a distinct space of his own.The concrete block planters
surrounding the patio support a sense of personal domain as well as provide an
outlet for personal expression.
The articulation of the concrete pad that rises to meet the stair marks the beginning
of threshold for the upper floorresidents. It is an extension of the front door that
waits at the top of the stair.
The balcony step is the meeting of stone pavers and a concrete slab.This single step
calls attention not only to a separation of levels, but also to a separation of space.The
blunt change of material as well as the canopy overhead create the sense of two
outdoor rooms.The step also provides a place to sit whenenjoying the outdoors.

“Just as important as the disposition of the residential units
vis a vis each other is the fenestration, the placement of bay
windows, balconies, terraces, landings, doorsteps, porches whether they have the correct proportions and how they are
spatially organized. It is always a question of finding the right
balance to enable the residents to winthdraw into privacy
whenthey want to but also to seek contact with others.”
-- Herman Hertzberger

upper level balcony (32)

protruding windows on traffic side (33)

The protrusion of the third story, floor-to-ceiling window forces a threshold into
space. It breaks the facade allowing the resident not only to take in views which are
straight ahead, but also up and down the street.Thus, the extruded windowpresents
another level of privacy in the public realm.

view down living street (34)

14

precedent

Multi-Story Housing
Kassel, Germany
Herman Hertzberger
The residents at Kassel cross many thresholds when entering their apartments: column, stair, seating, stair, front stoop. Hertzberger’s use of multiple
elements blur the zones of threshold to the point that the entire sequence ofreaching the residence becomes a journey through communal living. Upon
passing through the columns, one ascends three concrete steps which lead to
a steel stairway. Halfway up the stairs is a semi-circular space filled with light.
Various levels within this area provide places to sit, sleep, eat, read, and play.
Hertzberger refers to it as a “communal space” because it is a continuation of
thedwelling. From this point, the door of the residence is in sight. Once in
front of the door, one finds that it isn’t the front door, or is it? Each apartment
has a second glass door which can be locked, thus an open space is acquired.
This space can be seen as part of the stairs or an extension of the dwelling.
Either way, it is a personal area that becomes a part of a larger, shared space
thateveryone can enjoy.The step that lies within the doors provides a seating
area if the outer door is open or becomes a part of the dwelling floor if the
outer door is closed.

upper level plan (35)

“The more responsibility users have for an
area - and consequently the more influence
they can exert on it - the more care and
love they will be prepared to invest in it.And
the more suitablethe area is for their own
specific uses the more they will appropriate
it.Thus users become inhabitants.”
-- Herman Hertzberger

section through unit (36)

elevation (37)

seating area at stair landing (38)

double layered entry (39)

precedent

15

The Cannery Plaza
San Francisco, California, USA
Joseph Esherick & Associates
Previously functioning as the Del Monte Canning...