Room On The Roof

i29 interior architects designed the interior of the tower for de Bijenkorf’s Artist in Residence project: an installation that brings together two worlds in one space, playing with scale and perception.

The department store de Bijenkorf has invited artists, writers, musicians, architects and designers to take part in its Artist in Residence project, entitled “Room On The Roof”.

Room On The Roof is located in the small tower on De Bijenkorf in Amsterdam, a unique spot in the historic heart of the city that has been converted into a cultural centre.

The interior of the tower is designed by i29 interior architects. Room On The Roof wants to offer the artist a unique experience. This was the starting point for i29 to realize an installation that brings together two worlds in one space; playing with scale and perception as in the universe of Alice in Wonderland. On one side a vertical installation of wooden volumes from floor to ceiling is placed, the other side is a full white space.

The wooden installation includes a pantry, storage, desk and daybed. The functions have been stacked on top of each other as a kind of ‘living cabinet’ in order to experience the tower on different levels. Via small ladders you can climb up in the cabinet. Each level gives a new perspective and view to the outside world.

All accessories like a telescope, armchair and lamps, are just like the space itself all white to make a contrast with the wooden volume. The monumental spiral stairs leading to the cupola has been restored and adds to the fairytale-like atmosphere.

For the first two years of the project, the Rijksmuseum will be the cultural partner of Room On The Roof and artist Maarten Baas will be first to use the studio.