Iris van Herpen wraps Naturalis Biodiversity Center in fossil-inspired concrete ribbon
Iris van Herpen, a renowned fashion designer from the Netherlands, has crafted a striking white concrete ribbon facade for the expansion of the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in Leiden. Previously covered in red travertine, the structure now showcases 263 bespoke panels made from concrete and marble dust, drawing inspiration from the erosion patterns of Lanzarote. Collaborating with Neutelings Riedijk Architects, this five-story building spans 400,000 square meters and contains over 41 million natural history specimens, including a T-Rex skeleton. Van Herpen, known for producing fewer than 100 pieces each year, prices her creations between $20,000 and over $100,000, often finding their way into museums. She has partnered with various architects and scientists, such as Daniel Widrig and Neri Oxman, with architect Michiel Riedijk emphasizing their goal to reflect elements of nature through her designs.
Key facts
- Iris van Herpen designed a white concrete ribbon facade for the Naturalis Biodiversity Center expansion in Leiden.
- The facade consists of 263 custom panels made of concrete and marble dust, inspired by erosion on Lanzarote.
- The building was originally clad in red travertine from Iran.
- Van Herpen collaborated with Neutelings Riedijk Architects on the project.
- The museum's collection exceeds 41 million objects, including a T-Rex skeleton and butterflies.
- Van Herpen produces fewer than 100 pieces per year, each costing $20,000 to over $100,000.
- She visited CERN's Large Hadron Collider and used that experience in her work.
- In 2011, she collaborated with Daniel Widrig on a 3D-printed bolero.
- In 2012, with Neri Oxman, she created the first fully flexible 3D-printed dress.
- In July 2019, she collaborated with Anthony Howe on a kinetic dress for her Paris fashion show.
Entities
Artists
- Iris van Herpen
- Daniel Widrig
- Neri Oxman
- Anthony Howe
- Michiel Riedijk
Institutions
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center
- Neutelings Riedijk Architects
- CERN
- MIT Media Lab
- Artribune
Locations
- Leiden
- Netherlands
- Lanzarote
- Canary Islands
- Rotterdam
- Geneva
- Paris