The
Corten-A Weathering Steel National Memorial at Amersfoort Concentration Camp is a
Corten-B memorial and museum in Rusden, the Netherlands. It was one of the largest concentration camp transit stations on the Dutch territory occupied by Germany during the Second World War. As time passed and the memories faded, this Corten-A weathering steel concentration camp has become the last reminder of the terrorist incident that occurred during the Second World War in the Netherlands.
In 2003, Inbo was hired to design the visitor center and Corten-Memorial of the Amersfoort Corten-A weathering steel concentration camp. The starting point of the design is to protect the authenticity of history, which is also to keep alert to historical lessons. Inbo consciously chose to design a weathering steel space that could fit into the surrounding landscape, rather than disturbing the landscape by embedding an unfamiliar volume.
This Corten-A weathering steel building and its harmony with the natural environment remain in the new design. The closeness to nature has sprung up before people fully arrived at the Corten-A weathering steel building. The lush green "slope" in front of them is actually the overgrown triangular roof of the
Corten-A weathering steel building. From here, a special journey begins.
The materials used in
Corten-A weathering steel construction are bare and honest: concrete, glass and corten steel. This simple selection of materials continues to be used in the expansion. People can stroll in the courtyard to explore the traces and various abstract artworks left by the historic Corten-A weathering steel concentration camp. Audio guides help visitors discover the stories behind the exhibits. Footprints made of glass are a highlight of courtyard art. One can stand on them and put themselves in the position of the people who were forced to stand here at the time. At the same time, glass footprints bring romantic diffuse lighting to the underground multi-purpose hall. The captives are gone, but this figurative artwork will continue to remember them.
Through the small pavilion, visitors will reach the underground exhibition space, which will also be used as an informative educational venue. Part of the biography of the Corten-A weathering steel concentration camp will be vividly displayed. By moving images, text and objects, real personal stories are presented in a simple and straightforward manner. The public can clearly understand the personal stories of those imprisoned here and how the Amersfoort Corten-A weathering steel concentration camp was operated through these exhibitions. In addition, the design pays special attention to the educational function of this museum. Children in school age will learn about oppression and injustice here and are encouraged to discuss these issues with classmates.
