Preserving Heritage: Adapting monuments to meet contemporary needs
Monuments are living testimonies of our history, culture, and identity. Their preservation requires a profound appreciation and respect for the heritage they represent. Working with monuments demands true craftsmanship—it is, in essence, a skilled trade. Transformations and expansions are only considered with deep respect for the original design, ensuring that both historical and cultural values remain intact for future generations.
One remarkable monument RYSE has had the honour of working on is “Raadhuis De Paauw” in Wassenaar. With a rich history dating back to the 16th century, this property evolved from a modest residence into a modern estate in the 18th century and later became the residence of Prince Frederik. In 1924, the estate was acquired by the Municipality of Wassenaar and repurposed as the town hall. Recently, the exterior of De Paauw underwent a meticulous restoration. While the façade now shines in its former glory, the interior has remained untouched, awaiting much-needed updates.
Additionally, RYSE is excited to support the Dutch Literary Museum / Children's Book Museum, who reached an agreement with the Municipality of Utrecht to relocate to “Magazijn De Zon”, a historic building at the corner of Oudegracht in Utrecht. Recently renovations to prepare the buildings for the Museum’s future use have started. Subsequently, the Museum will undertake interior modifications to create a space fully aligned with its mission and exhibition needs.
Through our work on projects like “Raadhuis De Paauw” and “Magazijn De Zon”, we remain dedicated to preserving the historical integrity of our built heritage while adapting these spaces to meet contemporary needs.