De Hoop: Dries Architecture transforms abandoned paper factory into creative village

Dries Architecture has transformed the abandoned De Hoop paper factory in Zaandam, Netherlands, into a vibrant creative village housing around 200 entrepreneurs and artisans. The project, spanning 2018 to 2024 across 16,000 m², invited tenants to participate in constructing their own spaces, including individually made doors and windows that express their character. The architecture uses modest materials, proportion, light, and repetition to balance order and chaos without strict rules. The resulting interior forms streets, alleys, and squares for resting, performing, celebrating, playing, and producing. Client is Stichting Crealisatie; photography by Milena Villalba.