People:

• J.J.P. Oud (architect)

Title:

Café de Unie, Rotterdam, Netherlands (1925)

Date:

1925

Level of archival description:
project

Extent and medium:

• 5 photographs
  2 drawings

Scope and content:
The Rotterdam building inspectorate, Bouwpolite & Woningdienst, rejected the original plans for the design of the Café de Unie by a private developer, and instead commissioned Oud, as municipal architect, to design the building on Calandplein. This design marked a departure for Oud from public and private buildings to the design of a commercial building. Oud's design incorporated advertisement from its conception as he designed a facade of boards, cement, and glass with an illuminated sign – this was in keeping with the contemporary aesthetic of De Stijl, which explored creative uses of advertisement. Oud designed the signs to be turned inward, to draw attention away from the surrounding buildings, and incorporated bright colours (Taverne et al. 2001, 342). Project series includes drawings of plans as well as photographs of exterior views and of the principal facade of the Café de Unie.

Reference number:

CI005.S1.1925.PR1

Location:

Den Helder Netherlands

Contains:

• DR1984:0517, Principal elevation for Café de Unie, Rotterdam, Netherlands, printed 1924-1925
• DR1984:0518, Ground and first floor plans for Café de Unie, Rotterdam, Netherlands, printed 1924-1925
• PH1984:0823, View of the principal façade of Café de Unie, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1925 or later
• PH1984:1083, View of the principal façade of Café de Unie, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1925 or later
• PH1984:1084, View of the principal façade of Café de Unie, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1925 or later
• PH1985:0149, View of the principal façade of Café de Unie, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1925 or later
• PH1985:0152, Exterior view of Café de Unie from the street, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1925 or later