Here stands the Afrikahuis a building with a past. It replaced the Sint Willibrorduskerk. The parish needed a new home.
Let’s delve into the story of the Afrikahuis. Its construction finished in 1968. It became a church and community center. Architect Joop van Stigt envisioned a multifunctional space. He wanted it to serve the community.
However the church board sought an alternative as early as 1973. They found the design impractical. The Afrikahuis did not work for them.
Interestingly a Moroccan community used the basement as a mosque in the 1970s. They moved to Tolstraat in 1980. Then in 1994, something remarkable happened. The building became the Afrikahuis. It served African Catholics in the Netherlands. The Sociëteit voor Afrikaanse Missiën spearheaded this.
The name Afrikahuis stuck. It became known for its connection to Africa. But its purpose evolved again. Since 2021, the Afrikahuis stands largely empty. It is used occasionally. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Haarlem-Amsterdam still owns it. They want to convert much of the space into housing. The municipality prefers to keep its social function. Today Casa Migrante occupies the building. It is an organization for Spanish-speaking migrants.
Look at the architecture of the Afrikahuis. Notice the geometric shapes. Five interconnected octagons define its form. This is structuralist architecture. The raw concrete gives it a brutalist touch. French limestone clads the facades. The roof appears to float allowing light to filter in. Steel framed entrances connect the octagonal volumes. Glass blocks once adorned the concrete base. Now steel grates fill those spaces.
Inside are two halls and a courtyard in the basement. These connect to a sunken garden via a glass facade. The main church hall held about 900 people. The building also included a parsonage. There were residences for staff. Two garden rooms completed the design. An entrance plaza sits at street level beneath the church hall.
The Afrikahuis stands in contrast to its surroundings. Its closed surfaces differ from the 19th-century architecture of De Pijp. This often sparked debate. At its opening in 1968, it was called a gilded piece of the miserable Van Ostadestraat. Users found it impractical due to the stairs.
The Afrikahuis has a rich history. It was once part of the Safe Spaces exhibition at Arcam. This exhibit explored how design can foster acceptance and protection in cities. Various groups use urban spaces to assert themselves. They use banners flags and buildings to become visible.
The story of the Afrikahuis is one of constant change. It is a church a community center a mosque and a home for migrants. It reflects Amsterdam’s diverse and evolving character. Its walls have witnessed many transformations. The Afrikahuis remains a testament to the city’s dynamic spirit.