Van Tijen project in Trouw newspaper

26-11-2024

Reinder van Tijen: ‘My father's designs were a materialisation of the idea that living could rise to the level of happiness.’

When journalist and Van Tijen enthusiast Willem Pekelder heard that we would be presenting a book and exhibition on the architect with the Willem van Tijen Foundation, he enthusiastically approached us for a double interview, to be read in Dutch in today's Trouw.

Henk Middelkoop: ‘Van Tijen (founder of contemporary Kokon) was ahead of his time with his communal spaces. Look at today. Connecting elements in housing construction are being sought again in abundance.’
Reinder van Tijen: ‘The social unity within the building was supported by the design as well as services. A living environment that was safe, friendly and helpful.’

The publication ‘Making living into happiness’ and exhibition of the same name at Museum Vlaardingen have now been presented, in the presence of three generations of Van Tijen family. Meet Willem van Tijen (again) and be inspired by his ambition to make living into happiness, the mission Kokon still embraces today.

Order the book (in Dutch) here and visit the exhibition here.