A Portal to Nature's Whimsy
Aemstel Schooltuin Entrance
Client
Amsterdam Stadsdeel Zuid
Design
Tjep.
Design team:
Frank Tjepkema, Leonie Janssen
Production:
Smederij van Rijn
A Monumental Threshold to Verdant Discovery
Envision twin gateways that beckon young explorers into a world of growth and wonder—ornate sentinels where urban graffiti meets pastoral poetry, transforming a simple school garden entrance into an invitation for lifelong curiosity. Aemstel Schooltuin Entrance, crafted by Tjep. in 2014, honors Amsterdam's rich natural heritage while infusing it with playful contemporary flair, commissioned by Stadsdeel Zuid to guard the new Aemstel Schooltuin—a vibrant replacement for the beloved Dr. L. Alma Schooltuin since 1959.
Guarding History with a Nod to Rembrandt's Gaze
These monumental gates stand as elegant custodians at two vital approaches: one welcoming from the serene Kalfjeslaan, the other from the flowing Amsteldijk, nestled beside the historic Riekermolen windmill of 1636 and under the watchful eye of Rembrandt's statue, eternally sketching its silhouette. Here, in this picturesque Amstel riverside haven, over 500 children aged 9 to 11 cultivate plants and nurture their bond with nature, and Tjep.'s design adds a fresh, artistic layer to this timeless tableau.
Graffiti-Inspired Flourishes: Urban Edge in Ornate Iron
Drawing from the raw energy of street art, the gates bloom with graffiti-like motifs—delicate, swirling patterns laser-cut into corten steel frames, evoking wild vines and youthful doodles that reference the area's cultural depth without overwhelming its quiet charm. Crafted by Smederij van Rijn, these portals aren't just barriers; they're functional art that deters nocturnal rabbits while sparking imagination, their weathered patina promising to age gracefully alongside the garden's own cycles.
A Contemporary Echo in Amsterdam's Green Heart
Sustainability whispers through every curve, with durable, low-maintenance materials ensuring the gates endure seasons of play and learning, much like the schooltuin's year-round programs and nature paths that guide tiny feet toward ecological enlightenment. Tjep.'s touch elevates the everyday into the extraordinary, blending historical reverence with modern mischief to create thresholds that children—and adults—will pass through with a thrill of anticipation.
Tjep.'s Playful Provocation in Public Spaces
More than mere entrances, these gates embody Tjep.'s signature irony: a fusion of streetwise rebellion and refined craftsmanship that echoes the self-sufficient dreams of our Oogst series and the intimate portals of House of Yes. They challenge passersby to see education not as rote, but as an adventurous harvest of the senses.
Sowing Seeds of Wonder, One Gate at a Time
Evocative yet enduring, they prove that a well-designed threshold can unlock worlds of growth. Explore more of Tjep.'s enchanting interventions on Tjep.com, where we gateway the future with whimsical precision.