Dom Hans van der Laan TOMELILLA

Dom Hans van der Laan
TOMELILLA
A theory of architecture and its practical implementation
Dom Hans van der Laan, Tomelilla,
Tomelilla
Dr. Caroline Voet. Sponsored and
edited by the Van der Laan Foundation
English and Dutch edition
From theoretical concept
to concrete application
www.vanderlaanstichting.nl
How a theory of architecture leads to a building
In mid-2014 a Dutch and English edition of the book Dom Hans van der Laan, Tomelilla will
be published. Authored by Dr. Caroline Voet, it is sponsored and edited by the Van der Laan
Foundation and published in collaboration with Architectura & Natura Press.
Monk, architect and theorist
Dom Hans van der Laan (1904-1991)
A unique combination,
a specimen of a draft manual
Dom Hans van der Laan, monk in St. Benedictusberg
Abbey in Vaals, the Netherlands, was an architect,
designer and theorist who devoted his life to
persuing the essence of what it means to make
something. Through his search, he developed an
all-encompassing architectural theory. By questioning
phenomenologically the very essence of building,
Van der Laan created a true universal architecture. In
his publication Architectonic Space, translated into
numerous languages, Van der
Laan presents his theory. In
addition to his theory of the
proportional system of the
plastic number, it includes
a range of spatial models.
Van der Laan explores the
role of expression within the
design process. Although
as a designing architect his
legacy is rather modest, his
designs reveal and express his
continuously evolving theory.
Van der Laan considered his design for the convent
Mariavall (Jesu Moder Maria’s Kloster) in Tomelilla,
Sweden, the most complete application of his
experiments and theories.
In a meticulous case study of the Swedish
Benedictine convent, Caroline Voet unravels step
by step the complete design process of this not
previously analyzed abbey. The original drawings,
the specially composed analytical sketches, and
the explanation by Rik van der Laan, nephew of
Dom Hans and architect in charge of this project,
give the reader a penetrating insight into how the
abbey took form – and why. Through a precise
cross-reference system, a direct and unique link
becomes apparent between the design process
and the theory as presented in Architectonic
Space. The result is nothing short of a specimen
of a manual. It offers understanding of – and
assistance in – making architecture inspired by
the theory of architectonic space and the plastic
number.
This elaborate work contains a host of pictures,
including previously unpublished sketches for
the monks’ abbey adjacent to the convent. It
incorporates a contribution by Rudi de Bruin,
architect in charge in Sweden, on the application
of stone in the monastic church. It includes the
memories Brother Lambertus has of his fellow
monk Van der Laan. And it comprises last but not
least an editorial introductory.
Who might profit from this publication
Basically this publication might speak to everyone
interested in the principles of a true universal
architecture, specifically the background of the
Bossche School architecture movement, whose roots
lie in Van der Laan’s teachings and built works.
Architects as well as students of architecture and
design will be especially inspired by the unique
combination of theory and practice on offer. This
approach is invaluable for anyone wishing to
develop their own architectural idiom out of the
lessons that is presented by this universal theory
of architecture.
Preliminary subscription
This richly illustrated book consists of 272 pages in a
format of 240 x 250 mm. The first edition is limited.
To be certain you’ll get one of the first copies – either in English or Dutch – you can pre-register. By so
doing, you’ll be supporting the publication as well.
The pre-registration price is € 49.50 – € 10 less than
the price after publication. And if you pre-register,
you’ll be invited to the presentation of the book in
mid-2014. Should you be unable to attend, we shall
send you your order at no extra charge for mailing.
Please enter your order with the attached reply card. After receiving your payment to our IBAN number:
NL10 RABO 0135 6756 18 in the name of Vrienden Van der Laan Stichting, Amersfoort, the Netherlands,
quoting “book Tomelilla”, BIC code: RABONL2U, you will have assured yourself of the copies you’ve ordered.
You’ll also receive in due time an invitation for the presentation. We appreciate your kind support in realizing
this important project.
Reply card
Yes, I would like to support this publication by ordering in advance for the reduced prize of € 49.50 per copy:
....... ex Dom Hans van der Laan – Tomelilla Tomelilla (English edition)
....... ex Dom Hans van der Laan – Tomelilla (Dutch edition)
The (total) amount of € ............. I have remitted to IBAN number: NL10 RABO 0135 6756 18 in the name of Vrienden
Van der Laan Stichting. BIC code: RABONL2U.
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