Created in 1984, the agency is managed by one of its founding members, Francine Houben (1955), assisted by Aart Fransen and Francesco Veenstra. "For me, things changed rapidly”, recalls Francine Houben. “I had never imagined that I would head a team of hundreds and realise projects across the world!”. Her job reflects the same parameters of sustainability and quality, in addition to an innovative spirit and distinctive interest for urban areas that characterise The Netherlands. A graduate from the Delft University of Technology, this architect leads a creative and well-organised firm which has gained for itself a true identity across the years and is particularly attached to sustainable development. She has made it an absolute priority in all the aspects of her work. This concern for quality and the environment is a permanent feature in the most varied aspects: Public buildings, museums, universities, libraries, theatres, housing units or city plans. To be voluminous, projects – often large-scale ones – extend to very diversified sectors, in terms of type and geography. The global dimension has been achieved. In 2007, the agency won a commission for designing a mega theatre in the Wei-Wu-Ying park in Kaohsiung (Taiwan) and the future Longgang business centre in Shenzhen (China). Judging from some recent projects, Mecanoo’s architecture really appeals to the senses. Each technical movement has been replaced by human aspects. Each intervention has been developed in detail and transcends the project itself, to link the structure to the urban or social fabric. From then on, architecture is perceived as a solution to the problems of contemporary society. Francine Houben is very optimistic and imagines a future where the blend between nationalities and cultures is further intensified. Younger generations of architects have a stake in meeting its challenges!

1. Francine Houben

2. Montevideo Tower, Rotterdam – The Netherlands (2003-2005)
The tower is a landmark on the city’s skyline which offers different crossing and overlapping volumes. Inspired from the site closely linked to the Holland-Amerika Line, the building reflects New York and Chicago's skyscrapers in the 50s. Formally, the structure is characterised by a diversity of lines, forms and solutions which highlight the architectural rhythm and contribute to its uniqueness.

3. Fiftytwodegrees, Nimègue – The Netherlands (2005-2006)
This complex is the research centre of Philips Semiconductors (now NXP), and refers to latitude 52° which similarly to the ambitions of its designers, covers the whole world. Its curved shape was achieved by a hybrid construction (concrete and steel). The pixelated covering gives the facade its abstract appearance.

4. La Llotja, Lleida - Spain (2006-2010)
Designed to include a theatre hall and conference facilities (37,500 m²), this complex is a replica of Lleida’s landscape. The large monolithic stone building seems to have risen straight from the Spanish soil and comprises various interrelated volumes. In the roof of its horizontal shape, there is a large garden which provides useful additional space and traps fresh air during summer.

5. Patio Residences, Malága - Spain (2008-2010)
The development comprises 170 residences laid out around eight patios and seven housing types. Durability is an integral part of the project: solar panels, alternating heights of five or six stories to allow for natural ventilation and natural light to penetrate the interior spaces. Using local materials and textures springing from the construction traditions in the south of Spain, this project is expected to introduce a new type of social housing in Spain.

6. Kop van Oost, Groningen – The Netherlands (2008-2011)
This dynamic housing programme entails the construction of an apartment complex (from 40 m2 student rooms to deluxe 400 m2 apartments), a wide promenade and public area. The four corners of the black brick building are contrasted: Punctuated with openings from east to west and spacious balconies in the south and in the north.

7. National Centre for Performing Arts, Kaohsiung - Taiwan (2010-2013)
Implanted in the 65-hectare city park, this 141 000 m² theatre complex will be the largest on the island. The building was shaped by banyans, tree species present in the region and characterised by their large crown. Curved and topped by an enormous, bulging and ventilated roof where the concert and opera halls will be located, the structure was ingeniously designed, especially where the roofing slides downwards and turns into the open-air theatre. The vegetation of part of the roof contributes to thermal regulation within the building.

8. The Birmingham library – Great Britain (2010-2013)
This transparent and fragile glass building was inspired by the craft tradition of the city which it implicitly reflects. Mechanical lifts and staircases built in the very centre of the libraries connect the eight circular rooms, thereby bringing natural light and ventilation. The construction has been classified BREEAM since it is equipped with grey water systems and heat pumps. Despite the transparent nature of the building, energy is mainly generated through atriums, solar protection, natural ventilation and isolation.

9. The Delft station – The Netherlands (2012-2015) This large-scale project includes an underground station, municipal facilities and offices, shops, restaurants and was designed to suit its context. The building is compact and its design is revealed by its facades. The glass structure reflects the skies and the numerous diagonals in the façade create a diamond-like appearance. An arch-like roof showcases the blue ceramics of Delft and connects the building to the station’s main hall. The building was designed to be highly energy efficient and flexible with thermal storing, solar control of facades and photovoltaic panels.

10. Longgang master plan, Shenzhen – China (in progress)
This development is intended for Shenzhen, one of the rapidly growing Chinese towns and involves the master plan of a new dynamic business centre. Housing units, commercial centre, hotels, offices, public facilities are designed into a unique close network where water, tropical vegetation and shady spots offer pleasure activities.